Background:
The LIVE program is a modernized learning tool that consists of a mixed virtual reality experience that uses a combination of interactive scenarios with authentic, real-time dialogue to challenge individuals to engage in difficult Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) conversations.
Discussion:
- Following the first beta facilitator course offered June 2022, AU/Eaker has executed five facilitator courses and trained 101 facilitators. Eight total courses for FY23 will yield 203 trained LIVE facilitators by the end of FY23.
- Four DEIA scenarios exist in the current LIVE scenario portfolio including the following topics: Lactation Breaks, Female PME Consideration, Disparities in Promotion Rates, Spoken Accent Bias. - 87% of participants in the field, either agree, or strongly agree that “LIVE provided me necessary insights into engaging in conversations to foster inclusion, cultural competency, bias literacy and talent management.”
- In 2022, AU/Eaker conducted four highly DAF-visible program demonstrations at the DAF/ITC, the DAF DEIA Conference, The Air, Space and Cyber Symposium, and the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC).
- These demonstrations and the increased pool of trained LIVE facilitators have gained the program momentum and interest across the DAF.
- In November 2022, A LIVE session was conducted for the members of the USSF Force Modernization Inter-Service Transfer Board.
- January 2022 was the first month the demand for LIVE sessions exceeded availability.
- The AETC Squadron Commander’s course offered a LIVE session in January 2023.
Continued growth:
- Course 23B trained two First Sergeant Academy (FSA) cadre to implement LIVE into FSA curriculum. 2
- Space Force has led the way in session execution, performing 50 sessions to-date.
- The program is funded by SAF/DI.
- Projected requirements for FY24 will increase capacity to offer 2,100 sessions annually.
- End of FY24 will yield 363 total trained facilitators, and a library of 24 total scenarios.
Other considerations:
- The LIVE program is continuing to mature and expand based on demand and user feedback.
- Foundational documents and future FY requirements are still in coordination.
- LIVE facilitator nominees must possess the critical thinking, emotional intelligence, public speaking ability, and empathetic listening skills to continue to deliver difficult DEIA discussions with success.
Conclusion:
As LIVE rollout continues to focus on a target audience of front-line supervisors, leadership teams and professional development opportunities, the DAF will continue to reach key-influencers. Engaging in these difficult conversations, with trained facilitators, will promote empathetic listening, respectful discourse and address exclusive behaviors in a way to influence cultural change.