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Inclusion Training Initiative: Building a More Welcoming Washington
Overview
As part of SeattleFWC26’s commitment to ensuring every fan, visitor, and resident feels welcome, the Inclusion Training initiative, in partnership with GSBA, equips local businesses and organizations with the tools to create authentically inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ customers, employees, and communities.
Learn More
Key Activities
- Four Inclusion Workshops: Hosted by GSBA, Washington’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce.
- Interactive Learning: Sessions focus on allyship, gender inclusion, and LGBTQ+ cultural competency in the workplace.
- Accessible Participation: Two in-person trainings at GSBA’s Capitol Hill office (or other community venues) and two virtual workshops open statewide.
- Practical Tools: Participants receive actionable guidance and resources to help strengthen inclusive policies, communications, and customer experiences.
Outcomes & Benefits
- More Inclusive Businesses: Participating organizations gain the knowledge to create spaces that welcome all genders, identities, and relationships.
- Community Visibility: Strengthens Washington’s reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism and community hospitality ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
- Economic Impact: Inclusive environments encourage repeat visitation, word-of-mouth referrals, and stronger customer loyalty.
- Sustained Legacy: Builds long-term capacity for inclusion that extends beyond the tournament, leaving a lasting mark on Washington’s business and tourism ecosystem.
Registration
Thursday, Jan 15th - 10am
Wednesday, March 4th - 3 pm
Monday, Feb 9th - 10 am
Monday, April 6th - 3 pm
FAqs
By participating, your organization will:
- Develop stronger awareness and skills around LGBTQ+ inclusion, allyship, and respectful workplace communication.
- Equip leadership and employees with actionable strategies to improve workplace culture, belonging and retention.
- Improve the experience of both staff and customers/clients, helping to reinforce your brand as welcoming and inclusive.
- Support the business case for inclusion: increased engagement, loyalty, referrals, and a more positive reputation.
Inclusion Training is GSBA’s expert-led LGBTQ+-focused program designed to bring your team together in understanding and empathy. The training helps participants navigate issues such as gender, pronouns, privilege, and allyship—equipping your employees with the tools and awareness needed to create a culture of belonging.
Because businesses that overlook the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion risk more than just falling behind—they risk alienating their most valuable assets: their people. When employees feel understood and seen for who they are, they’re more engaged, productive, and committed to your organization’s success.
- A lively, interactive format (not your average boring workshop) with discussions and practical insights.
- A capacity of up to ~40 participants for in-person or webinar sessions.
- Actionable inclusion strategies that your leadership team and employees can implement immediately.
Yes. GSBA’s training is available either as an in-person session (up to ~40 people) or as a webinar, making it accessible for organizations statewide.
Yes — the training is designed for any workplace environment (businesses, non-profits, community organizations) seeking to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion and inclusive culture.
The training is free as part of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committees legal efforts based on community input and guidance form the Pride + Match Impact Council.
The training is led by GSBA’s Business and Inclusion Manager, River Teslar (she/her), who brings expertise in LGBTQ+ inclusive business practices, culture change and interactive training design.