The importance of continued DEI education cannot be overstated. However, I’ll be the first to acknowledge that DEI training opportunities cost time and money! So while these workshops are indeed crucial, it is equally imperative that we continue our efforts of DEI education and awareness beyond training.
(And if that continued education minimizes the amount of money spent, well, I can’t imagine any organization is going to complain.)
Today, I want to offer a simple piece of advice as to how we can continue to educate ourselves on DEI and all of its nuances beyond formal workshops and training!
Here is my recommendation: designate a team member as the organization’s DEI focal point. If a company has a DEI Council, perhaps the employee is chosen from there, but anyone who is passionate about DEI education can easily handle this position. Whenever the rest of us stumble across a DEI-related resource, such as an article about disability in the workplace or a video about how to address microaggressions or any content in-between, we can send it to the designated employee. The employee will proceed to get the materials approved by HR. Afterwards, the designated employee can email at least one DEI resource to all individuals in the company once a week (or as often as an organization prefers—maybe a T/Th schedule is preferable).
Bonus Option: Managers can lead discussions related to these materials and the lessons learned from them in departmental meetings!
I promised my advice was simple, didn’t I? Continuing our DEI education is crucial, but it should not be exhausting or overly expensive. I hope this recommendation offers us all a straightforward and enjoyable way to continue educating ourselves about DEI beyond formal training!
Dima Ghawi is the founder of a global talent development company with a primary mission for advancing individuals in leadership. Through keynote speeches, training programs and executive coaching, Dima has empowered thousands of professionals across the globe to expand their leadership potential. In addition, she provides guidance to business executives to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and to implement a multi-year plan for advancing quality leaders from within the organization.
Reach her at DimaGhawi.com and BreakingVases.com.
