To Join the DEI Committee or Not

Companies recently scrambled to create Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees to address what is long overdue in white institutions. Two things can happen: a general ask goes out to all staff or you’re invited because of your [insert specific viewpoint/identity here]. So do you join? ⁣⁣

✅ If you are leaning towards a “YES” ⁣⁣

💡 You may be ready to change shit up at and engage in challenging convos to address the systems of oppression at work or you may want to make sure your majority-white and/or cis co-workers get it right.  ⁣⁣

What does saying YES really mean? ⁣⁣

💡 You are deciding to be in a space where harm may (but will) take place for BIPOC, especially if the DEI committee is not created with good consultation or training. White fragility will be alive and well. It's a reality and it does not make it ok. Know it and name it-you can call it out.⁣

🚫 If you are leaning towards a “NO”⁣⁣

💡 Let us just say that if there is guilt coming up for even considering saying no, that's ok. You may not have the time, energy, mental, and emotional capacity. Especially if you are a Trans, Non-Binary, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. You don’t have to do it. ⁣

But what does saying NO really mean? ⁣⁣

💡 You won’t be “at the table” when decisions that impact you are made. You get to choose how you engage with the committee and hold them accountable to the changes they promise.⁣

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📝 Use this list of considerations when deciding: ⁣⁣

📌 Ask about the expected time commitment ⁣⁣

📌 Ask management how the workload of being on the  DEI committee will be accommodated with regular responsibilities⁣⁣

📌 Ask about the benefits and compensation for the additional work and responsibility ⁣⁣

📌 Ask what budget is allocated to implement its strategies ⁣⁣

📌 Ask how the recruitment of the committee will be inclusive and diverse⁣⁣

📌 Ask how the committee will be held accountable⁣⁣

📌 Ask how feedback will  be collected from all staff to ensure all perspectives are included⁣⁣

📌 Ask how  the committee will keep the organization updated and transparent with their decisions⁣⁣

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📢 Let us know what you decide. You can make any decision work for you if you know what your boundaries and expectations are. AND you give yourself permission to change your mind at any point.⁣⁣