Welcoming & Belonging Micro-Credential Course

Despite the strength of our tourism industry, our region is confronted with a range of socioeconomic challenges. These include rural demographics, pockets of poverty, declining school enrollment, and a shrinking population. Furthermore, marginalized residents and visitors often feel unsafe due to racism and discrimination. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment in the Adirondacks for both residents and visitors, and we acknowledge the crucial role that local businesses play in these efforts.

Our Welcoming & Belonging Micro-credential Course offers local businesses, chambers of commerce, and community groups essential knowledge and best practices for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all staff and clientele. This program, provided by North Country Community College (NCCC), was initiated by ANCA’s Adirondack Diversity Initiative in collaboration with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. It was developed with input from local businesses, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members, DEI professionals, educators, and organizations that participated in a pilot program in 2021.

This self-paced, asynchronous course will engage participants in a journey of self-reflection and discovery while providing tools for problem-solving and effecting change. Upon completion, participants will receive a micro-credential badge that can be shared on their website or social media platforms, along with an optional paper certificate of completion.