DGR Coalition Quarterly Roundup

Quarterly Roundup

October - December

2021

Helping you increase your understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), address gaps in representation on your teams, and explore the unintended consequences that result from policy and advocacy that lack diverse representation, voice, and perspective.

DGR Coalition activities

Below is a quick glance at recent Coalition activity.

Launched an industry survey - The survey seeks to study the level of diversity and inclusion within the government relations field by gathering anonymous self-reported information from individual employees that work directly or indirectly to influence local, state, and federal policy. Ultimately, we hope to use these data to not only empower, but also recommend solutions and put forth evidence-based best practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the field. Take the survey before December 1.

Released a joint op-ed - In partnership with The Advocacy Association, Hispanic Lobbyists Association (HLA), Q Street, Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG), and Women in Government Relations (WGR), we emphasized the critical need for meaningful and intentional efforts on diversity and inclusion in our field.

Held a Hiring for Diversity event - Conrad Woody, an executive recruiter, joined us to discuss how organizations are prioritizing diversity in recruitment and retention, current challenges and opportunities, and best practices the field should leverage.

Reports to read

The impact on communities should always be considered when approaching advocacy and policymaking. Workplaces are microcosms of our broader communities, and workplace culture plays a large role in how we experience society. For meaningful policymaking, we must consider the impact of lived experiences personally and professionally. Below are four must-reads that illustrate the importance of accounting for differing experiences as well as provide a framework for incorporating equity into your role as government relations professionals and a member of the workforce.

Principles to Support Black Workers in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - An issue brief released this month resulting from a roundtable discussion with national and local workforce experts, sharing perspectives and exploring considerations for ensuring that the workforce system advances equity for Black workers. Written by Alex Camardelle, PhD, published by the Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies

LGBTQ+ voices: Speaking Out and Looking Ahead - A vision for more inclusive workplaces, led by William Decherd, Diana Ellsworth, and Maital Guttman. Published by McKinsey & Company

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice - Policy perspectives and recommendations gathered by the Business Roundtable

State Economies with the Most Racial Equity - Understanding racial equity in terms of employment and wealth. Written by Adam McCann, published by WalletHub

Media deserving a listen

Storytelling provides a window into life experiences that differ from our own. This increased awareness can help identify unintentional bias, shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, and cultivate more inclusive thinking and behaviors.

Congressional hearing: House Financial Services - Subcommittee on Diversity & Inclusion hearing entitled, “Access Denied: Eliminating Barriers and Increasing Economic Opportunity for Justice-Involved Individuals”

Podcast: Forum on Workplace Inclusion Podcast, episode 51 entitled, “Exclusive Programs for Inclusive Leaders - The Case for LGBTQ+ Leadership Development”

Ted Talk: “White Men - Time to Discover Your Cultural Blind Spots” by Michael Welp

Podcast: The Greenhouse Podcast, Hiring for what’s next, entitled, “DE&I Strategies That Work - Episode 1” with Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director & Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BlackRock.

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