2021 NW Diversity Learning Series
SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT: GET INTO GOOD TROUBLE, NECESSARY TROUBLE
We dedicate the 2021 NWDLS to Congressman John Robert Lewis, 1940-2020, and accept his call to action. We see ourselves as he described, as "ordinary people with extraordinary vision”—we commit to getting into "good trouble, necessary trouble" in the 2021 NW Diversity Learning Series! In a special Last Word, Morgan Freeman reads the words of John Lewis’ final essay, which he requested be published in the New York Times on the day of his funeral: “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation.” Aired on 7/30/2020
John Lewis ran for Congress so that he could work inside the system to achieve change. We, too, work internally to change our organizations. Now we must focus on the most elusive element: Systemic EQUITY—NOW!
To do that, we will get into “good trouble, necessary trouble” by:
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Digging into the roots of inequities in organizational systems that have been held in place by privilege and power.
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Excavating the ecosystem—the structure—that surrounds the roots so that we understand exactly how inequities are held in place
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Identifying the elements in the ecosystem to transform into systemic equity — NOW!
We promote equitable, anti-racist, inclusive organizations that work for ALL.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Examining the Values that Drive Disparity
January 27, 2021
Getting into “good trouble and necessary trouble” in this session means examining organizational values and behaviors. Do they align with Inclusion? With being Anti-racist?
Leveraging the Roots of Resistance for Inclusive Transformation
March 17, 2021
Getting into “good trouble and necessary trouble” in this session involves learning about and engaging resistance to systemic equity—on the part of individuals and organizations.
Negotiating with Power
May 19, 2021
Getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble” in this session involves engaging people in power in creative ways, learning to listen for cues, discover interests, or enlist involvement from others.
Being an Anti-Racist Organization
June 30, 2021
Getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble” in this session means righting the boat, plugging the leaks, taking up the oars—being an advocate, an accomplice, for “anti-racism”—NOW!
Walking the Equity Talk: Development & Advancement
September 29, 2021
Getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble” in this session involves employees engaging with managers. Participants will be part of a negotiation between real managers and real employees about development and advancement of diverse employees.
Belonging in Organizations - Elusive or Achievable
November 10, 2021
Getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble” in this session means hearing from real people—their stories. We’ll invite participants to join in—what are their “lived experiences” when it comes to that feeling of Belonging?
