COMBATING RACISM
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are more than buzzwords; they're a practice. Without these values in practice, our companies and communities suffer. Through personal reflection, education, and commitment, we’re investigating and celebrating ways to cultivate DEI in our work, relationships, and communities.
PAUSE. THINK. LISTEN.
How Mindfulness Helps Us Address Racism in the Workplace
In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, there is a renewed focus on both overt racism and subtle racism in the workplace. Many companies are taking this time to consider how diversity, equity and inclusion are present, or not present, within their cultures. In a poll performed by Glassdoor, 57% of employees say they believe their companies should improve diversity among the internal workforce.
Rapid change is necessary. And yet, promoting DEI in the workplace is not a "quick fix" and needs to be approached mindfully and comprehensively. In order to begin the discussion about combating aversive racism in our workplaces, we have to take the time to objectively observe where we're starting from.
Action v. Reaction
Choosing to address racism within an organization requires a candid examination of where internalized racism and bias are perpetuated consciously or subconsciously, by individuals and communities. Before taking meaningful action, it's crucial to pause and consider where each of us may be reacting from our own racial biases and aversive racism.
Invite and Listen
Mindfulness is being aware of what is happening, without judgment. In order to be mindfully aware of how racism is present within an organization, Black employees and employees of color must be actively invited to share their experiences with leadership and peers.
Commit Internally
Based on feedback from Black employees and employees of color, leadership can begin to make a meaningful and sustainable action plan for how implement anti-racist training to create an anti-racist organization. Systemic and policy-based changes are the most impactful way to create long-term change.
Continue to Speak Out Externally
As organizations continue to take action internally to combat internalized racism and bias, they must use their organizational voice to speak out against racism publicly. Only when declarations are backed by meaningful action are they truly supporting the freedoms and safety of our team, clients, and community
TAKE ACTION
Educate yourself about overt racism, covert racism, aversive racism, interpersonal racism, and ways of combating racism in all its forms.
HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST
by Ibram X. Kendi
THE NEW JIM CROW
by Michelle Alexander
THE PERSON YOU MEAN TO BE
by Dolly Chugh
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
by Zora Neale Hurston
SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE
by Ijeoma Oluo
