There are things you can do at your organization to make sure you are actively doing the work to support Black lives in your workforce, your membership and your community. Here are a few things to consider:

Workforce: What do your workforce demographics look like? Does the diversity of your workforce accurately reflect your membership and the broader community you are serving? It is currently projected the country will be much more racially diverse by the year 2040 – what are you doing to ensure your workforce reflects the changing demographic in our country and in your community?

Members: What have you done to ensure your members have access to a brighter financial future? What have you done to gain a better understanding of the financial needs of your Black members? What are the specific challenges that your Black members are facing during 2020? How are the financial needs of your Black members similar to or different from your white members?

Community: What are the manifestations of racism and anti-Blackness in your community? How have you and your organization been apathetic to racism? How is your organization working in partnership with other local organizations to create a community where all can live up to their fullest potential?

In her book "Diversity, Inc.", Pamela Newkirk stated, "In the end, racial diversity will not be ushered in by pledges, slogans or well compensated czars … racial diversity will only be achieved once White America is weaned off a prevailing narrative of racial preeminence – a belief system as intoxicating and addictive, and ultimately destructive, as any opiate … change will require resources and resolve, but no amount of money, no degree of effort, will succeed alongside a willful negation of our shared humanity."

Instant Insights /

Black Lives Matter: DEI Beyond the Brand

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