Demonstrating Inclusion (part 3)
In part three of our series on creating a culture of inclusion in your company, we bring some more tips on communication, collaboration and sharing of diverse experiences. Here are some more tips on empowering and inspiring your employees by modeling inclusion:
Collaborate with a diversity of people to manage the company who will bring unique perspectives, areas of knowledge, and sensitivity to different issues.
For company training, have diverse main speakers, workshop facilitators, and team members including attention to differences in academic and lived experience, geographic, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, nationality, and ability, as well as race/ethnicity.
Clearly communicate consistently and throughout the company the significance of modeling the values of furthering inclusion and decentering whiteness. Examples of methods include: in pamphlets / company materials, press releases and talking points for the leaders of company.
Value different kinds of knowledge that is shared at the company to ensure complementary ways of knowing, such as academic study as well as lived experiences.
When talking about 'action,' present a holistic view of actions that include different realms and levels--the interpersonal, community, institutional, systemic--as a part of a whole system of change. Provide options for multiple ways of learning and engaging.
Consider how HR language and processes are accessible and inviting to those who are new to the company and/or the field. Prioritize relationship building with current team members, as well as, to acknowledge new team members’ experience and knowledge they bring to the company.
Consider how to be responsive to people’s cultural and physical needs and overall well- being.
Adapted from Decentering Whiteness and Creating Inclusive and Equitable Conferences: A Tip Sheet, written by a multiracial, multinational working group of racial and social justice educators, organizers, scholars, researchers and activists: Natasha Aruliah, Sonali Sangeeta Balajee, Shakti Butler, Bill Calhoun, Diane Goodman, Sally Leiderman, Emily Morrison and Maggie Potapchuk. Dec. 2015