PHOENIX — Protests and rallies across the country have sparked important, and sometimes uncomfortable, conversations about racism and it’s important to know how to navigate those conversations on the job.
Racism does often seep into the workplace even if you don’t realize it and, if you’re not clear about the work culture you want to create, people can be afraid to speak out.
This is why the organization ‘Defeat Racism at Work’ is helping employers facilitate conversations about diversity and equality. They conduct a 90-minute workshop helping your team identify if you’re being an ally, an advocate or an accomplice. They’ll introduce the issue of white fragility, which is when you get defensive any time racial injustice is discussed. Then, you get actionable, simple ways to make change like starting a chapter book club about anti-racism, starting conversations at home about what you’ve learned in training so it’s a normalized topic instead of an intimidating one.
There's also guidance for bosses to promote inclusivity, something as simple as letting a person of color sit next to you in a meeting and nodding to acknowledge when a minority employee speaks.
“What’s most important is that we are not here to call you out, we’re here to draw you in... draw you into the conversation and let’s start talking and let’s start healing,” said Founder and President of Defeat Racism at Work Patricia Davis.
The organization is offering virtual workshops during the pandemic. To learn more about scheduling and pricing, email: info@defeatracismatwork.com
You can also join a virtual town hall on Wednesday, June 24. Sign up here.
