Ways to work towards becoming anti-racist in the workplace
At Canadian Equality Consulting, we continually discuss a number of important related to anti-racism issues, including:
- What exactly does it mean to be antiracist?;
- The importance of being antiracist in the workplace;
- Why antiracism is ongoing in the workplace;
- Antiracism resources to get you started;
- How to confront racism in the workplace;
- Where to report racism in the workplace; and
- How to be a better ally to minority groups in the workplace
We tie all of these items together with a short list of achievable action items to demonstrate how you can work towards being antiracist in the workplace. In addition to the information from our previous blogs, consider:
Find available online resources for your organization
You never need to start this conversation from scratch. Resources such as Stanford’s Anti-racism Toolkit can provide a structured means to begin the conversation. Topics such as Start with Self, How to Talk about Racism, Practice Allyship, and Keep Focussed on Change are all structured ways to begin action. Other free and accessible toolkits are also available online, often with a targeted focus, including from the University of Leeds, Wellcome, Georgetown University, and Trying Together.
Learn the relevant terminology
Online glossaries such as Stanford’s are readily available and an easy way to introduce the relevant language to your organization. When employees use the same language, its easier to communicate on these complex and important terms.
Create a reading list
Learning together is easier with source material to refer to and start conversations. Many reading lists are available online, and include recommendations from the pivotal How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, to memoires such as Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, to fiction such as The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Books are a great place to start a shared conversation, so considering starting a book club or reading list for your organization.
Disseminate resources
From resources targeted to a specific audience, to more general resource lists, provide your employees and coworkers with a strong starting point to begin their learning journey towards becoming anti-racist in the workplace. Supplementary resources, such as articles on the history of racism in Canada to films from the National Film Board of Canada on the racialized experience, can help add background to a nuanced discussion.
Never stop learning
From employment and income equity to issues of justice, the story of antiracism in Canada continues with your words and actions. Commit to always learning from your colleague of colour, from experts in the area, and through your own research. Antiracism work takes time and a promise of growth. Good luck on your journey!
For bespoke diversity and equality guidance, contact Canadian Equality Consulting and begin a discussion on how to make your workplace more responsive to the needs of your diverse employees.