Finding and Building Community
Today's Topic: How ERGs can really make a difference right now
This is my fourth post so many of you are still getting to know me and what I’m about. One thing you should know about me is that I’m a fierce advocate for myself and for others. I don’t play when it comes to speaking out on behalf of people, especially those that are often marginalized or underestimated.
I’m one of those people so I will always show up for us.
Over my career, I have found a lot of solace and community in Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, as they are commonly known. These employee-led spaces are where folks come together to find their people and show up fully, safely, and unapologetically. I have always been part of ERG communities in the places where I’ve worked. Sometimes as a member, but mostly as a leader. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: global lead, founder, intersectionality chair, executive sponsor, and advisor.
These days I identify as an ERG Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. This is how I make my living. Because I deeply believe in the power of these spaces and their ability to transform the work experiences of their members.
This week, I decided to go live on LinkedIn and host a workshop I called “Dear ERG Leaders: Are Your Members OK?”. It’s an honest question. And one that I think a lot more ERG Leaders, DEI Directors, and companies, need to be asking themselves.
Folks are feeling a lot right now and ERGs can be a space where people can safely come together to support each other, have brave conversations, and otherwise, build community during a very uncertain time.
One thing I’ve decided to do in support of ERG Leaders, is to host an ongoing series on LinkedIn Live for ERG Leaders that I’m calling “Let’s Talk Impact”. Exciting! I’m modeling the new series after my existing series called “Latinas: Front & Center” but the audience will be different and so will the content.
“Let’s Talk Impact” will feature current ERG Leaders who will talk about the ERGs they lead, the strategies they use to engage their members, the impact they are making, the lessons they’re learning, and how they’re staying ahead of the curve to keep their communities thriving. I’m excited for the conversations we’ll be having and how they might help others right now. The series will be starting in February and will take place on Tuesday afternoons at 2PM Eastern.
As I close out today’s post I want to encourage you to find community wherever you can. These are challenging times and we need each other now more than ever. Find your people and hold on tight. Let’s be a beacon for each other and lift each other up!
Peace and all good.
