From Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness Virtual Course

The Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness Virtual Course explores lateral violence in workplace and community settings and introduces pathways toward “lateral kindness” as a relational and practical response. In this FREE virtual course, participants will examine how historical and ongoing experiences of colonization, trauma, and systemic oppression can shape behaviour, communication, and relationships, and how these dynamics can contribute to lateral violence.

Using a “strengths-based” approach, this course emphasizes awareness, reflection, and practical strategies to support healthier interactions. Learners will build an understanding of how trauma impacts individuals and teams, how communication patterns can escalate or reduce harm, and how trust and lateral kindness can be intentionally practiced in everyday work and community contexts.

Grounded in Indigenous perspectives and trauma‑informed principles, this course highlights the importance of self‑awareness, accountability, and relationship‑building. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities, and to identify small, meaningful actions that support trust, respect, and lateral kindness in their environments.

This virtual course acknowledges the historical impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples and aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by promoting learning that supports understanding, responsibility, and relational change.

This is a virtual program delivered in three modules (approx. 1.5 hours in total).

To access the virtual course, scroll down to the ‘Course Modules’ section of this webpage.

Intended Audience

This program is designed for:

• Health and social service professionals, providers, leaders, and human resource professionals
• Community‑based staff and teams working in collaborative or interdisciplinary environments
• Individuals interested in learning how to transform conflict into growth opportunities and promote lateral kindness

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will have gained knowledge related to:

• Understanding Lateral Violence: Recognize what lateral violence is, why it occurs, and how it shows up in workplaces and communities.
• Historical and Contextual Awareness: Understand how colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities influence behaviour and relationships today.
• Trauma‑Informed Practice: Apply trauma‑informed perspectives to everyday interactions, supporting emotional, mental, physical, and relational well‑being.
• Communication and Trust: Identify how communication styles and trust impact team dynamics, and how miscommunication can contribute to harm.
• Lateral Kindness in Practice: Identify and commit to practical actions that promote lateral kindness, trust, and healthier relationships.

Course Modules

Click on the hyperlinked modules below to access the course modules.

• Module 1: Understanding the Roots of Lateral Violence
• Module 2: Recognizing Lateral Violence
• Module 3: Moving Towards Lateral Kindness

Certificate of Completion

If you would like to receive a certificate of completion for this professional development program, please login to your AtYourSide Colleague learning platform account and access the Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness course modules there. Once completed, your certificate of completion will be automatically issued.

Don’t have an AtYourSide Colleague profile yet? Click here to register today!

This program can also be delivered in-person upon request. To learn more, please click here or email fnim@sehc.com.