By Emmanuel Williams
The world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can feel like a vast old-growth forest in which one can easily find themselves lost. As they say, you can’t see the forest through the trees. The great thing about the Portland Means Progress initiative is that it’s definitively race-forward with its equity lens. Therefore, so will this article be race-forward in its approach to navigating a challenging topic that pertains to race/culture-based discrepancies within our respective organizations.
By Nina Narelle
Much of the guidance on leading anti-racism work is focused on the strategies for creating change in our institutions and communities. Which is
appropriate
, as this is our goal. But what we often overlook in this journey is the practice and work to heal, and resource ourselves to work through the difficult dilemmas that we inevitably face as champions for racial justice. Our ability to stay grounded and deepen our resiliency what enables us to stay in this work for the long haul, be well, and build loving community together across difference. Which I hope, we also share as a goal.
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By Shay Braden & Wanda McNealy
Anti-racism work is a lifelong practice. Everyone in our community plays an important role in creating a city where all belong and are celebrated for their different identities. Whether you’re a community member learning how to be a better neighbor, or a boss trying to create a more welcoming and inclusive workspace, we’d found choosing the next steps in anti-racism work can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. With many excited learners in our community, we decided to expand and strengthen our social justice workshops offered here at YWCA of Greater Portland. Below are some ways we’ve shifted our programming that we’re sharing with you as you navigate your own training programs:
By Alexis Braly James
Because race is a social construct, most of us are born unaware of our race. The social construction of race can be described as the way we, as individuals and groups, become aware of our race and the race of others. Because awareness of race varies within and across societies, there has been curiosity and research happening for generations.
By Kheoshi Owens
Don't let Black women stand alone. Be an advocate, be an accomplice. Don't just stand by and let people attack and abuse Black women. You can stop the maltreatment of Black women by speaking up and interrupting some of the racist narratives I’ve shared below. What type of ancestor will you decide to be? I believe in you. Change begins with you and I.
By Ozzie Gonzalez
What companies offer some of the top employment engagement strategies? Whether small or large, all companies have ways to engage their employees in a meaningful way and create a successful company with a motivated workforce. Here are a few examples from firms around the world who have found ways to engage employees across a wide array of backgrounds.
By Johnell Bell
At Espousal Strategies, we are looking at equity differently. We believe that projects should start with an equity statement and thorough analysis of potentially impacted communities, to ensure the whole community benefits. Equity isn’t just a lens to apply or advisory group to convene, it must be embedded at every stage of project delivery.
By Matt Ruddy
Many DEI practitioners have become familiar with the “pinch point.” The moment during an open discussion when the energy in the room changes. There is a palpable sense of defensiveness, apprehension, or outright tension. This may arise for many personal and professional reasons. However, with the spirit of inclusion in mind, our job as practitioners is to keep as many people at the table and involved in the discussion as possible.