Equity
-
Managing Hiring and Layoffs? Use an Equity Lens
Many businesses and organizations are announcing furloughs and layoffs as a result of the economic upheavals caused by the pandemic. As America faces a profound time of racial reckoning while in the midst of a pandemic, now is precisely the right time to focus our Equity Lens intently on hiring and firing practices. It’s no time for excuses. I’ve heard many say: “Given the pandemic, we don’t have time to look into hiring practices.” That’s just using a laziness lens. As Diana Noriega, Assistant Executive Director of Anti-Racism and Equity at Good Shepherd Services stated on my recent radio show: “Crisis accelerates the process of the work. People get comfortable…
-
Using Whiteness Accountability Spaces to Disrupt and Unlearn Racial Biases & Actions
Now more than ever, it’s critical that whites effectively partner with People of Color and other whites to interrupt racist dynamics to create more racially just, inclusive organizations. One of the most effective ways I know of to accomplish this is to begin by facilitating Whiteness Accountability Spaces in our organizations. Are you ready to deepen your capacity – and choose courage – by recognizing white privilege, getting honest about how you were socialized in a sea of racist attitudes and ways you may still react out of these? Are you committed to learn how to create racially just organizations and choose courage to disrupt daily racist dynamics? It…
-
Strategies for Leaders to Use an Inclusion Lens in Crisis Management
It is imperative during this global crisis that we work TOGETHER to move forward. In these unprecedented times, as leaders are in crisis management mode, making urgent decisions that have significant impact on employees and those they serve, it’s essential to ensure that everyone is included in plans to rise above this pandemic. Working together means using an Equity & Inclusion Lens as we make decisions, plan programs, and develop services to live our lives amidst the hidden threats of an unseen virus. I’ll be sharing proven and helpful tactics for using an Inclusion Lens in my upcoming webinar, “Strategies to Use an Inclusion Lens in Crisis Management,”…
-
Inclusion INTENTIONS Aren’t Enough: Follow Up with Real ACTIONS
When it comes to creating inclusive environments for everyone – places where each and every person, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, sexuality or type of position, feels comfortable, respected and valued – each of us has personal intentions on how we’d like to get there. Problem is, intentions aren’t enough. We must do the work. Perhaps at no other point in time has this been more crucial. The Journey to Inclusive Environments is a LONG Haul And I don’t have to tell you: it can be hard work. Undoing centuries of white, male, heterosexual, and cisgender privilege can’t be done in one or a few work sessions.…
-
Diversity & Inclusion Training: A Long Road Filled with Obstacles
You’ve often heard me say that when it comes to diversity, equity & inclusion, I’m in it for the long haul. It’s so true a statement that I wrote a book with that very same title. Why? Because it’s a goal that cannot be accomplished during one employee training session. Diversity, equity & inclusion training can be tough work. But it’s urgently needed – now more than ever before, as our world faces unprecedented times. It’s vital for organizational success and for future generations. We need to press on with our efforts – and be aware of (and avoid) the potholes and roadblocks along our way. “We…
-
How Racially Inclusive is Your Organization During This Crisis?
These times are unprecedented in our lifetime. They’re unexpected, uncertain, incredibly turbulent. Panic seems the prevalent approach to each moment. It’s a time when, if we take our eyes off the ball around racial justice, racism is going to continue to flare up everywhere… What Grade Would Your Organization Earn for Racial Inclusivity? There are courageous people reaching out to other people – but who? Are we reaching out across races? Are the resources really being set up for all – or just for folks who already have a lot of access and privilege? Are some groups afraid to come forward to help – or to ask for…
-
Come Experience Envision 2020: The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Conference
Want to take the headache out of attending professional conferences? Who doesn’t! All those course titles and descriptions that flood our email inboxes around this time of year sound compelling. But let’s get real. Skip the Hassles this Conference Season You just don’t have the time. Travel time. Waiting at the airport, waiting in traffic. And conferences…sitting for long hours in a crowded room in an uncomfortable chair, trying to pay attention, but distracted by continual coughing and sneezing…and those ‘what-if’ thoughts start…what if it’s the flu? Or a virus? Then there’s those non-learning hours after the conference is over for the day…you know, when you’re thinking about all…
-
How to Use White/Whiteness Accountability Spaces to Begin Healing Your Racial Biases
My First Experience in a White Accountability Space Years ago, the first time I sat in a group of all white people, I wasted the experience. Really. My ego got in the way, taunting me, saying I couldn’t learn anything meaningful about racism without having people of color included in the group. In my own huff, I sat silently, hoping that no one would call me out as a racist. Then I had an epiphany. White people, including me, need this authentic space with only other whites so that they can freely share about our white fragility, our defensiveness, fears, and shame as well as our resistance to recognizing the…
-
Making the Case for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As change agents, sometimes we become so focused on implementing DEI practices in organizations, that we may neglect to highlight the positive benefits inclusion offers. And there are many! Before and during diversity, equity and inclusion training, making note of the positive benefits linking diversity and positive organizational performance can be a decisive incentive for folks to keep on going when the going gets tough! We all know our jobs as change agents aren’t easy. But when presented with research linking diversity with profitability and other proven benefits, it can be the impetus an organization needs to make a firm commitment to infuse DEI at every level. “Inclusion is…
