Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace or society, in general, cannot go anywhere if people aren’t willing to engage in difficult conversations on race. It is not just the conversations, but if you want to know more about racial equity, then engaging with the right resources is key. If you are new to acquainting yourself with racial discrimination, bias, and DEI, this can be the hardest part.
“When engaging in these conversations in racially mixed settings, you can trigger power & privilege dynamics that white people have had for centuries. The key is to be aware of it and be a listener and learner rather than an all-knower. Keep your white privilege on the side when you decide to engage in things surrounding racial equity.”
WHERE TO ENGAGE?
Google is the easiest way to start. Find out the organizations in your area,city, state or region that are working on racial justice and privilege. Email, call, or visit their website, and get in touch with them to know more about the work they are doing. If you look for local anti-racism organizations in your area, I am sure you will find many that will be able to connect you with the relevant work that you can engage in and help with. Moreover, if you are a white American, you can also join your area-specific Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) chapter.
You should also research DEI trainers, racial justice speakers, and relevant people to see where they are giving training or speaking about the topic. If they are near your community, church, or a local university, take part in the lectures. Finally, you can do online courses and engage with the instructors or take part in community college courses that educate about social justice issues.
HOW TO START ENGAGING?
What’s the next step once you have found the right people and companies to engage with? Here are some tips to get you started on the right track:
Work On Your Mindset – Start with the right mindset. Begin with the intention of learning and overcoming the bias, discrimination, and knowledge gap you have. Stay focused and work on the cause even when you want to give up. You must work especially when you want to give up because this means you are subconsciously understanding the centuries-worth of racial injustice committed against black people.
Ask & Acknowledge – Ask what you don’t know and ask what you want to know about. When people share, validate them. Listen to the truth and importance of the lived experiences of so many black people. In the beginning, asking questions will help you bridge the gap. Moreover, acknowledge what you don’t know instead of shrinking away from the conversation or content. Believing what’s being said is the most important factor in engaging with underrepresented and marginalized racial groups.
Notice Yourself – When you are engaging in topics surrounding racial equity, you have to be aware of the judgments and biases that arise. You will be uncomfortable at times, so notice what those times are. Reflect on what’s making you uncomfortable and how you can get rid of it and make yourself more stable emotionally.
Build Trust – When you start interacting with various communities to learn more about their experiences, they are trusting you with their stories. Do not break that trust. Build confidentiality around these stories. Do not share what’s asked of you not to. When you develop this trust, you will find more people interested in engaging with you and in sharing stories that will help you give more insights.