How do you find and join an employee resource group that aligns with your interests and goals?

1 Take time to reflect on the interest, passion and goals both personal and professionally. What we hope to achieve joining ERG. 2 Start exploring resource available in company and learn about existing ERG and their mission 3 Attend ERG events to learn more about activities, members and initiatives, connect with current members of ERG seek advice, learn about their experience 4 Attend any open house or information session where perspective member can learn more about ERG during exploration effort 5 Assess whether ERG mission and activities align with interest, goals and values. Level of commitment required to participate in ERG activities 6 Once join, actively participate in activities events and initiatives, share ideas and collaborate

"Charting Your ERG Course" Before diving into the ERG pool, consider your North Star. What drives you? Is it building a powerful network of champions and collaborators, or honing in-demand skills to propel your career? Perhaps you yearn to be a voice for positive change or celebrate the richness of diversity within the company. Identifying your purpose acts as a compass, guiding you toward the ERGs that resonate with your aspirations.

Do you want to connect with mentors who can provide guidance and support? Are you interested in finding sponsors who can advocate for your career growth? Do you want to participate in workshops or training sessions to enhance your skills? Are you seeking experiences that will advance your career and build your resume? Are you looking for a supportive community that understands your unique experiences? Do you want to contribute to initiatives that support underrepresented groups or promote diversity? Are you interested in participating in events that celebrate different cultures and identities? Reflecting on these questions can help you find an ERG that aligns with your aspirations and allows you to make the most of your experience.

To find and join an employee resource group aligned with your interests and goals, research internally, identify your interests, attend group events, connect with members, actively engage, contribute meaningfully, expand your network, and be open to continuous learning.

Define Your Interests and Goals: Start by reflecting on what you hope to achieve through joining an ERG. Are you looking to connect with colleagues who share similar backgrounds, advocate for diversity, or develop specific skills? Clarifying your purpose helps you target the right ERG. AI-Powered Self-Assessment Tools: Utilize AI-driven tools that can analyze your professional and personal interests to suggest relevant ERGs within your company.

Look for dedicated sections on ERGs that outline their missions, goals, and member benefits. Browse for recent updates or newsletters that highlight ERG events and initiatives. Explore areas focused on diversity and inclusion, which often provide insights into available ERGs. Pay attention to sections that highlight member experiences or contributions. Look for testimonials or stories shared by ERG members that provide insights into their experiences. Contact your HR department or diversity and inclusion team for a list of active ERGs and how to get involved. Talk to colleagues about their experiences with ERGs to gather personal insights and recommendations.

Maybe you work at an organization where there are no active ERGs, but if you see the need, that shouldn't stop you. If you are seeing the need for ERGs at your organization, you can be sure that other people are seeing the need as well. Research best practices, see what works for other organizations, and speak up. Find out who you can talk to about what steps need to be taken to implement this at your organization and commit to helping your team reach that point.

Most organizations provide a list of active ERGs through their HR department, internal communication platforms, or employee portals. Review these groups to identify those that align with your areas of interest—whether it's diversity, gender equality, sustainability, mental health, or professional development. Research their mission, objectives, and past activities to understand their focus.

Check the agenda, topic, and goals of the event to know what to expect. Understand whether it’s a panel discussion, workshop, social gathering, or something else. Think of questions you’d like to ask about the group’s mission, activities, and how they support members. Take the opportunity to meet other attendees, exchange contact information, and build connections. Pay attention to how members interact with one another and the overall atmosphere of the event. Reach out to individuals you met to continue the conversation and express your interest in the ERG. After attending, reflect on whether the ERG aligns with your goals and if you feel a connection to the community.

Once you have shortlisted potential ERGs, attend an open meeting, virtual event, or activity organized by the group. This gives you firsthand insight into the group’s culture, leadership, and engagement strategies. Pay attention to how inclusive and active the group is, as these are strong indicators of how beneficial your involvement might be.

Join a Kickoff Event or Informational Session: Many ERGs host open events where potential members can meet current ones and learn about ongoing initiatives. Attend one to get a feel for the group dynamics and objectives. Engage on Virtual Platforms: If in-person events aren't possible, look for virtual meetups, webinars, or Slack/Teams channels where you can connect with ERG members.

How did the event make you feel? Were you excited, welcomed, inspired, or apprehensive? What new information did you learn about the ERG’s mission, initiatives, and activities? Did you gain any insights into the challenges and successes of group members or the community they represent? Were there individuals you’d like to connect with further for mentorship or collaboration? Consider how being part of this ERG could contribute to your growth, learning, or sense of belonging. What actions do you want to take next? This might include reaching out to new contacts, attending another event, or officially joining the ERG.

Before joining an ERG, assess the following to determine if it's a fit: >Mission and values alignment Does it align with your personal beliefs and goals? Does their mission and objectives resonate with you? >Opportunities for growth Does it offer personal or professional development opportunities? >Community and networking Is it inclusive and welcoming? Does it offer opportunities to connect with peers and mentors? >Engagement and activities What opportunities does it offer for members to actively participate, contribute and learn?

Joining an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that matches your interests is just the beginning! Now comes the fun part: getting involved. Attend meetings, participate in discussions, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas. Building connections with fellow members can open up new opportunities and friendships. And don’t forget to seek mentorship within the group! It’s a great way to learn and grow, while accessing resources that can help you advance both your career and personal goals. The more you engage, the more you’ll gain—not just for your career, but also for your personal development. So dive in and make the most of this valuable resource!

Take on Leadership Roles or Projects: Once you’ve settled into the group, look for opportunities to lead initiatives, mentor new members, or contribute to the ERG's mission in a meaningful way. This can enhance both your personal growth and the group's impact. Leverage Learning Opportunities: Many ERGs offer professional development workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs. Engage in these opportunities to further your career and personal growth.

Por vezes uma atividade fora do horário oficial pode te conectar verdadeiramente com pessoas que participam destes grupos. Happy hours, comemora??es e até mesmo as redes sociais podem te dar dicas de quem s?o as pessoas certas que te ajudar?o neste processo.

Be Open to Multiple ERGs: If your interests span across different areas (e.g., diversity, sustainability, mental health), consider joining more than one ERG. Balance Participation with Your Role: Ensure that your involvement in ERG activities aligns with your primary job responsibilities. Time management is key. AI-Driven Insights on ERG Impact: Some organizations leverage AI to provide feedback on ERG performance. This data can help you measure the impact of your involvement on your personal goals and career.