Quarterly Roundup January - March 2024

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 sufficiently diverse representation, voice, and perspective.

DGR Coalition activities Below is a brief coalition update.

ICYMI: DGR Coalition's Survey Report Our inaugural Diversity & Inclusion in Government Relations survey is a significant initiative aimed at exploring the state of diversity and workplace experiences of almost 900 professionals in the government relations field. 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.  More about the survey: Government Relations Departments Have a Long Way to Go to Make DEI a Reality by FiscalNote reported on our survey results and interviewed DGR Coalition co-founder, Dr. Monica Almond, and Board Vice Chair, Angela Lee. "K Street diversity report finds worse workplace experience for minority lobbyists" by POLITICO highlighted results of our survey and interviewed DGR Coalition co-founder and Board Chair, Cicely Tomlinson. A Diversity Imperative: The Urgent Need for Expanded Perspectives in Policymaking, authored by DGR Coalition co-founder and Board Chair, Cicely Tomlinson, and Board Vice Chair, Angela Lee, discuss the importance of including varied voices and perspectives in the policymaking process and what happens when critical vantage points are excluded.

Read the Survey Report

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 bank 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: 9 Ways to Promote Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Your Government Affairs Team by FiscalNote: "Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace are crucial and ever-changing. Learn nine ways government affairs can help promote and champion DEI initiatives." What Is a Cultural Audit? Definition, Elements and Stages by Indeed: "In this article, we explain what cultural audits are, describe why they're important, explore the elements of a cultural audit and list the stages for conducting a cultural audit." Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging’s Impact on Employee Engagement & Retention by WebMD Health Services: "Increasingly, today’s employees see inclusion and belonging as an essential part of the employee experience—and are willing to change jobs for it. Read on for insights on this trend and tips for integrating DEI&B into the everyday work experience."

Events to attend Attending events can enhance understanding and provide exposure to new tools and ways of thinking. Below are upcoming events that offer an opportunity to recognize the barriers to increased diverse representation and sharpen skill sets to increase inclusive behaviors. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit is Women in Government Relations' two-day summit that will be held virtually on May 8-9, 2024. There will be an option for an in-person reception at the end. The summit theme for this year is, “Building the Community We Need” and the event "will inspire, challenge, and equip attendees to be the values-driven professionals we need for healthy organizations and effective public policy." ERG & Issue Advocacy is a virtual workshop hosted by the Public Affairs Council and is scheduled for March 19, 2024 from 10-11 am ET. "Employee Resource Groups are internal gathering spaces that foster diverse perspectives based on shared interests and experiences. Many public affairs departments are leveraging the collective voice of employee resource groups for civic engagement, political activities and social responsibility initiatives. Learn how to incorporate the insights from these groups to advance your function." Advancing Equity Through Legislative Affairs is a virtual workshop hosted by the Public Affairs Council and is scheduled for April 10, 2024 from 1:30 - 3:45 pm ET. "Need new ideas for incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into your campaigns and initiatives? Join us for a discussion on developing advocacy strategies that are grounded in equity and advance inclusion." Deep Dive - Congressional Tri-Caucus is a virtual workshop hosted by the Public Affairs Council and is scheduled for June 4, 2024 from 2-3 pm ET. "The Congressional Tri-Caucus is a powerhouse of diverse legislative leaders comprised of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). Our speakers will discuss the dynamics of the Tri-Caucus and what relationship-building looks like across its three components."

Thank you for your continued support of the DGR Coalition!  Share this newsletter & continue to spread the word about the DGR Coalition.  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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