Introducing: The Six Building Blocks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As organizational leaders, working professionals, and members of a multicultural, multigenerational world, we have recently heard much talk regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the “why” behind it all.

But what do these terms even mean, and what does this work truly entail? What are the foundational building blocks to understanding, navigating, and leading DEI in our workplaces and communities?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI, can be understood as a broader collection of six building blocks or pillars of a much larger area of work and life.

Raven Solomon Enterprises has developed “The Six Building Blocks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” to illustrate how the broader work of DEI can be understood and led effectively.

Navigating the critical work of diversity, equity, and inclusion through an organizational framework, such as these Six Building Blocks, creates a framework within which policies can be written, and organizational cultures can flourish.

These Six Building Blocks include Language, Identity, Bias, Systems, Value, and Behavior. Each building block represents an opportunity for reflection, action, and allyship.

Building Block #1: Language

Building the Vocabulary of DEI

To begin a compelling journey of allyship, inclusion, or leadership, one must first equip oneself with the language and vocabulary needed to effectively communicate a message of belonging. Language is the first of the Six Building Blocks of DEI. ??

A foundational understanding of the work and message of diversity, equity, and Inclusion is critical to cultivating belonging in organizations and societies. By understanding language, we become more prepared to communicate Inclusion's vital messages and lead its work effectively.?? ??

Building Block #2: Identity

Intersectional Self-Awareness

The numerous dimensions of identity are explored in Building Block 2 that are considered when discussing the concept of "diversity." These encompass gender identity, race and ethnicity, physical ability, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status.

It's crucial to recognize that identities, individuals' essence, aren't confined to any single attribute. Instead, they're shaped by these attributes' intricate interplay and overlap, collectively molding individuals' unique worldviews and life experiences. This notion is termed intersectionality and is further examined in this second building block of DEI.? ?

Understanding identity opens avenues to comprehend oneself and the world around us in nuanced, multifaceted ways.?

Building Block 3: Bias

Rumbling with Stereotypes

Just as understanding identities is crucial for advancing and advocating for DEI, awareness of biases is equally vital for fostering inclusivity. The third building block of DEI illustrates bias mitigation, showing how acknowledging biases helps prevent decisions influenced by stereotypes, thereby avoiding harm.

Experiences, education, cultural background, and identities collectively shape individual biases, both conscious and unconscious, affecting thoughts, behaviors, and decisions.

These biases don't make someone a "bad person," but the presence of bias underscores the importance of continuous self-reflection and accountability, both internally and externally.

Building Block #4: Systems

Navigating the World Around Us

The fourth Building Block is Systems. Approaching DEI and organizational culture through a systems-thinking approach helps identify new solutions to age-old problems creating harm for many.

Ultimately, biases are often a direct result of the cycles of socialization experienced in formative years. Societal social systems, including lending and financing systems, public and private education, and healthcare systems, influence schooling, community demographics, neighborhood environments, and employment opportunities.

The fourth building block of DEI explores the significance of understanding historical systems and embracing a systems-thinking approach to actively advocating for and promoting equity.?

Building Block #5: Value

Committing to DEI

This fifth building block of DEI explores understanding and appreciating the moral, ethical, and business values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Understanding the value of DEI makes this work applicable to day-to-day projects and tasks as well as long-term goals.? ?

The significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion spans various dimensions, from enriching social interactions through diverse perspectives to driving corporate innovation and competitiveness. ??

Future generations' growing embrace of DEI as an organizational value further underscores its importance in fostering a resilient and adaptive business environment. Ultimately, understanding and championing DEI emerges as a moral and strategic imperative for success in our workplaces and broader communities.?

Building Block #6: Behavior

Demonstrating Allyship

The sixth Building Block of diversity, equity, and inclusion is behavior.

Inclusive behavior builds relationships that are founded on trust and mutual respect.

Taking a bold stance for allyship means using one's voice and influence to challenge oppressive systems, champion underrepresented voices, and actively contribute to the pursuit of equality. It's about making a conscious choice to be an agent of transformation in every sphere of life.?

Committing to exhibiting and leading with inclusive behaviors creates a space where organizations and communities can thrive. ?

Journeys of allyship and advocacy continually evolve, as does understanding equity and inclusion. DEI requires a commitment to embracing inclusive actions and behavior, the final of the six building blocks, enabling both words and actions to address the role of equity and inclusion.??

Understanding the six building blocks of DEI enables reimagining the role in achieving equity and fostering inclusion. Both individual behavior and systemic change will shape the world we aim to inhabit and pass on to future generations.??

Continue to stay connected with Raven Solomon Enterprises as we continue to share information and resources related to these Six Building Blocks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Raven Solomon Enterprises is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education and consulting firm that aims to help organizations integrate DEI through exploration, motivation, and activation. Through a myriad of services (including Keynote Speaking, DEI Learning and Development, Strategic Advisory, and Leadership Coaching), RSE helps organizations make spaces more inclusive.