How to Refocus Your ERG
“What diversity advocates are working for is an industry that honestly, accurately, and equitably represents the world we live in.” –Mike Jung
We made it to the end of January everyone! At least here in Ann Arbor, January means many days without the sun. We make up for it with some beautiful summers and falls, but these weeks of winter are hard. Let's keep giving each other the support we need to thrive. That's why I want to talk about ERGs today.
I love employee resource groups or ERGs. They provide a platform for team members with shared identities, experiences, and interests to come together, build community, and advocate for their needs within the workplace. However, as time goes on, ERGs can lose focus or momentum. And with that, comes a loss of organizational resources and support. Let's change the narrative. Here are my five ways to enhance and refocus your ERG in the new year:
Assess the Current State: Start by revisiting the mission statement of your ERG. Make sure that the purpose of the group is clear and relevant to the needs of your co-workers. If necessary, update the mission statement to clarify the group's goals and objectives. Review the activities of the group over the past year. Determine what worked well and what did not. Use this feedback to inform your plans for this upcoming year.
Engage the Members: Reach out to the members of your ERG to ask for their input. Find out what they want to see from the group and what activities they would like to participate in. Use this feedback to plan activities that will be engaging and relevant to the members - and to your organization. Think of ways to bring allies on-board for events that would be open to and relevant for them. Making your ERG visible is a great way to ensure continued support.
Foster Collaboration: One of my favorite questions to ask during the diversity retreats and ERG workshops I facilitate is this: "What do you want out of your allies in this room?" It gets people to think not just what they want out of their allies from majority communities, but also what they want out of each other. I call that session Together We Rise because together is the best way I know for us to succeed. What does cross-community allyship look like? Attending each other's events. Interrupting bigotry when you witness it. Advocating for other groups. Sharing resources and platforms. Co-sponsoring initiatives. Keep thinking of ways to foster collaboration between ERGs.
Provide Resources: Ensure that your ERG has the resources it needs to be successful. This includes funding, access to meeting spaces, and especially, support from senior leadership. Provide training and development opportunities for ERG members. Help leaders develop their skills to become more effective advocates for their ERGs. If you're going to ask someone to do the work, make sure they have the support to succeed at the work.
Measure Success: "You can't manage what you can't measure." I'll add to that: you can't measure anything without goals. Otherwise, what are you working toward? Establish goals for your ERG. Then use those goals to establish metrics to measure your ERG's success. This may include attendance at events, member feedback surveys, retention rates, promotion rates, and the impact of the group on the organization as a whole. Use this data to continually improve your ERG.
That's it, my five steps for improving your ERG. Follow those steps and build out your ERG to support an equitable workplace where everyone knows they are seen, supported, and can belong.
Do the work
This week, I commit to share my ideas, attend ERG events, volunteer for ERG initiatives, and join an ERG if possible.
Spread the word
If you want to keep going
Together We Rise: How to Own Your Value and Thrive at Work
The evidence is clear. If we want to succeed, we need to own our value and thrive in a community together. Great for diversity regrets and ERG trainings, this interactive program will teach you how to design your own pathway to success. With my trademark top ten rules, we will address battling impostor syndrome, finding champions to succeed with you, ensuring your well-being, among many other topics of belonging and inclusion. The goal is to ensure all of us have the right tools to know this truth: you belong here, in a place where you can do more than succeed; a place where you can thrive.
