This session invited a discussion of AONW Attendees on how to create a welcoming environment for all people in their teams and organizations. Discussion became more of town hall on the WHY there is a need for this to begin with and WHAT ways in each of us can encourage and promote diversity in gender, race, orientation and beliefs.
Establish community agreements that promote inclusion
Ask – get to know the people with whom you are working/coaching before assuming something about their preferences, strengths, weaknesses, etc.
Recognize that for some people/groups, they always feel like they are on the outside (because they are the only one like them in a team/org. Get out of your comfort zone to help include them.
There are things you can do to help, educate yourself and advocate for others. But you have to be intentional about it.
Resources:
Why we need help from those with privilege/agency:
HBR Article – “Women & Minorities are penalized for promoting diversity”
UW Women in Science and Engineering Conference – Panel on Resisting Gender Bias in school and workplace
Volunteer with local organizations supporting those who are traditionally underrepresented to increase the number of future candidates
Offer to mentor a person of color/woman/LQBTQ/other underrepresented group that is in your team
Attend a meetup for an underrepresented group (ask first if you aren’t the group the meetup caters to)
Please add your own thoughts on how to help add to the comments.
AJ Beard
Capability Leader
Thank you, AJ, for this session and for encouraging me - a privileged white male - to remain engaged in the war for equality... and for supplying the links.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned...