Program Overview
Polaron Connect’s Insights 2 Impact (I2I) is a five-part professional development programme scheduled from March to December 2026, offered in both in-person and online formats. It delivers practical, evidence-based communication skills to equip leaders in engaging diverse communities and driving tangible impact. The series also commits to donating its project income to charitable causes, thereby reinforcing the programme’s objectives and promoting inclusive communication in the broader community.
Each session will feature industry experts alongside members of our Multicultural Advisory Panel (MAP) and Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), providing participants with personalised insights and practical knowledge on each topic. Details of the guest speakers for each session will be announced on our website shortly.
Location for in-person sessions: Polaron Connect – 301/22 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda Vic 3182
Program Objectives
- Equip participants with inclusive leadership strategies rooted in the principles of intersectionality and equity.
- Build a robust understanding of social media and influencer trends, alongside awareness of AI/deepfake risks, to support culturally relevant outreach.
- Apply evidence-based methodologies in cross-cultural and health communication to achieve better outcomes.
- Develop practical techniques to effectively engage multicultural youth and underserved communities.
Topic 1: Intersectional Inclusion
This theme explores how to move beyond basic multicultural communication approaches to reach individuals with overlapping identities (for example, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals who are also LBGTQI+ or neurodivergent). Participants will learn to design messages using plain language, visual aids, and other accessible tools, ensuring that no one is excluded.
Sessions:
- In-person: 21 April 2026, Tuesday (Guest speaker will be joining us online)
- Online: 23 April 2026, Thursday
- In-person: 30th April 2026, Thursday
- Online: 7th May 2026, Thursday
Topic 2: The New Socials
This theme focuses on navigating the rapidly evolving social media landscape, including major Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Weibo, as well as emerging youth-centric networks. Topics include responsibility reaching audiences under the age of 16, leveraging influencer marketing, and safeguarding against AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation.
Sessions:
- In-person: 21 May 2026, Thursday
- Online: 4 June 2026, Thursday
- In-person: 18 June 2026, Thursday
- Online: 2 July 2026, Thursday
Topic 3: Health Communication
Across Cultures
This theme examines best practices for delivering health information to diverse communities. It draws on real-world case studies to demonstrate how to co-create messages that are culturally safe, evidence-informed, and effective.
Sessions:
- In-person: 16 July 2026, Thursday
- Online: 30 July 2026, Thursday
- In-person: 13 August 2026, Thursday
- Online: 27 August 2026, Thursday
Topic 4: Uncomfortable Conversations
Develop skills for initiating respectful dialogues on sensitive topics related to race, gender, disability and other aspects of identity. This training may include subtopics such as establishing ground rules for discussions, role-playing respectful debates, and practicing inclusive language using established toolkits. Furthermore, participants will learn framework for “purposeful and inclusive engagement”.
Sessions:
- In-person: 10 September 2026, Thursday
- Online: 24 September 2026, Thursday
- In-person: 8 October 2026, Thursday
- Online: 22 October 2026, Thursday
Topic 5: Reaching the Unreachable
This session addresses the communication gap when trying to reach young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It covers youth behaviours, language trends, and digital media habits, equipping participants to actively involve young multicultural voices in program design and outreach efforts.
Session:
- In-person: 5 November 2026, Thursday
- Online: 19 November 2026, Thursday
- In-person: 3 December 2026, Thursday
- Online: 10 December 2026, Thursday
Key Learning Outcomes
- Intersectional Inclusion: Apply inclusive strategies to engage all community members.
- The New Socials: Use social platforms and influencer insights.
- Health Communication: Deliver culturally adapted health messages effectively.
- Uncomfortable Conversations: Facilitate authentic, respectful diversity dialogues.
- Reaching Multicultural Youth: Engage and empower diverse youth with tailored approaches.
Each Insights 2 Impact session is offered as a stand-alone training, allowing participants to register for the topics most relevant to their needs. Guest presenters and resource persons for each seminar will be announced soon.
Register now via the registration link to secure your place in the Insights 2 Impact training series. You can choose either in-person or online attendance for each session. Participants will receive a certificate upon completing each topic and the entire program. Ticket options include in-person (with catering provided) and online (with access to the recorded session).
Certification
Criteria:
- Successfully completed all five I2I programme sessions
- Demonstrated integrated understanding of inclusive, cross-cultural, and digital communication practices
- Applied learning across multiple contexts (community, digital, health, or youth engagement)
- Engaged consistently across the programme (attendance + participation)
Skills
- Inclusive leadership
- Intercultural competence
- Strategic communication
- Community engagement
- Ethical practice
- Applied communication skills
Criteria:
- Participated in the Intersectional Inclusion session
- Demonstrated understanding of intersectionality in communication contexts
- Applied inclusive communication principles to case-based or practical exercises
- Reflected on approaches to engaging individuals with overlapping identities (e.g. CALD, LGBTQI+, neurodivergent communities)
Skills
- Intersectional inclusion
- Inclusive communication
- Cultural competence
- Accessibility awareness
- Community engagement
Criteria
- Participated in The New Socials session
- Demonstrated understanding of contemporary social media ecosystems, including Chinese platforms
- Identified ethical considerations in engaging youth and digital audiences
- Applied strategies to navigate influencer culture and misinformation (including AI/deepfakes)
Skills
- Digital communication
- Social media strategy
- Cross-cultural marketing
- Media literacy
- Ethical communication
Criteria
- Participated in the Health Communication Across Cultures session
- Demonstrated understanding of culturally responsive health communication principles
- Analysed case studies or scenarios involving diverse communities
- Applied approaches to co-creating culturally safe and accessible health messages
Skills
- Health communication
- Cross-cultural communication
- Community co-design
- Cultural safety
- Public health engagement
Criteria
- Participated in the Uncomfortable Conversations session
- Demonstrated understanding of respectful dialogue practices in sensitive contexts
- Engaged in discussion, role-play, or reflective exercises
- Applied inclusive language and engagement frameworks to real or simulated scenarios
Skills
- Inclusive leadership
- Facilitation skills
- Conflict-sensitive communication
- Active listening
- Psychological safety
Criteria
- Participated in the Reaching Multicultural Youth session
- Demonstrated understanding of youth communication behaviours and preferences
- Analysed engagement approaches for multicultural youth audiences
- Applied inclusive strategies to design or improve youth-focused communication
Skills
- Youth engagement
- Multicultural communication
- Audience insight
- Community outreach
- Inclusive programme design