Quarterly Roundup October - December 2023

Gathering information and resources to help 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 sufficient diverse representation, voice, and perspective.

DGR Coalition activities Below is a brief Coalition update.

The full report is (finally) here! It’s been a fulfilling journey and we are delighted to unveil the results of our inaugural Diversity & Inclusion in Government Relations survey, a significant initiative aimed at gauging the state of diversity and workplace experiences within our industry. With the participation of around 900 government relations professionals, this survey offers insights into the varied experiences within the field. It also underscores our commitment to being a resource to the industry as it strives to diversify its workforce, cultivate inclusive workplaces, and establish environments where everyone feels heard, fairly compensated, and able to grow in their careers. While these results provide a valuable starting point, they are not exhaustive, representing only a sampling of our industry. And though there is more to be gleaned, we can gather that recognizing and appreciating the voices and perspectives of professionals from diverse backgrounds within government relations organizations is crucial for their success in influencing beyond their workplaces. We will continue to promote these findings into the new year and invite you to join us in promoting the report by using this toolkit. We also encourage you to share your thoughts with us as well as any relevant event or programming opportunities where we can discuss the report. You can contact us at info@dgrcoalition.org. With your engagement and feedback, alongside the collaborative efforts of the government relations community, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the demographic makeup of the field and support diversification of the government relations profession while providing resources that help foster more positive workplace experiences.

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Read our op-ed providing more context on why we do the work we do.

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Resources to leverage 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 outside and inside the workplace. Below you’ll find articles and reports to add to your resource pile illustrating the importance of accounting for differing experiences and providing a framework for incorporating equity and inclusive thinking into your role as government relations professionals. Find additional reports highlighting the need for expanded perspective in policymaking and what companies can do to demonstrate commitment to DEI below: Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Racial Diversity Among Top Staff in Senate Personal Offices illustrates the “need for more racial diversity among U.S. Senate personal office top staff.” Building a More Inclusive Agenda: A Survey of Congressional Priorities Across Race — Priorities for Tax Policy highlights public sentiment and how people believe Congress should prioritize various tax policy-related issues. Independent Sector, The Retreat of Influence: Exploring the Decline of Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Engagement reveals that “fewer nonprofits, today, leverage their influence to drive systemic change, educate community leaders, and give voice to their missions and those they serve compared to 20 years ago.” American Psychological Association, Companies may benefit from transparency about racial diversity efforts finds that “companies that reveal their struggles to increase racial diversity in their workforces are perceived as more trustworthy and committed to diversity than companies that remain silent.”

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Wishing you and yours a very safe, healthy, and joy filled holiday season! -Your friends at DGR Coalition

Thank you for your continued support of the Coalition!  Share this newsletter & continue to spread the word about DGR.  Haven’t officially demonstrated your support for DEI in government relations yet? You can do so by signing our pledge here.

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