Leaning In: Leveraging Connections for Advocacy Amid DEI Rollbacks

"The strength of our advocacy lies in the strength of our connections. By leaning into our networks, we create a collective voice for change that no rollback can silence." — Lisa L. Baker

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced significant challenges in recent years. Major companies like Ford, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have scaled back their DEI programs. This trend raises concerns about the future of workplace diversity and the broader implications for society. However, even as some organizations retreat from their DEI commitments, individuals and communities can lean in and leverage their connections to advocate for these essential values.

The Current Landscape

The rollback of DEI initiatives by prominent companies is a response to various pressures, including political and legal challenges. For instance, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in universities has influenced corporate diversity efforts. Many companies are shifting focus away from explicit DEI goals to broader concepts like "well-being and inclusion."

Brown-Forman, a leading spirits company, recently announced it would end its DEI goals and withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Moves like this signal a cautious approach to DEI in today’s political climate.

The Power of Collective Voices

Despite these setbacks, the power of collective voices remains a potent force for change. As the saying goes, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” So, lean into your network and amplify your efforts to advocate for DEI more effectively. Strong networks can offer support, share resources, and strengthen your advocacy.

Joining professional groups or communities focused on DEI can help you connect with others equally passionate about these issues. These connections lead to collaborative projects, shared learning opportunities, and a more powerful collective voice.

Leveraging Connections to Advocate for DEI

Here are a few strategies you can use to leverage your connections and advocate for DEI:

1. Engage in Community Initiatives

Participate in local and national initiatives that promote DEI. This includes joining advocacy groups, attending events, and supporting policies that advance diversity and inclusion. Organizations like the National Urban League and the Human Rights Campaign offer numerous opportunities for involvement. Engaging in these efforts helps drive systemic change.

2. Use Social Media Effectively

Social media platforms are powerful tools for raising awareness and mobilizing support. Share stories, highlight successes, and call out setbacks to keep DEI in the conversation. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram allow you to reach a broad audience. Use hashtags, engage in relevant discussions, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities to create greater impact.

3. Educate and Empower

Empower others to become advocates by sharing knowledge and resources. This could involve hosting webinars, sharing articles, or offering workshops on DEI topics. By educating your network, you empower others to advocate more effectively, creating ripple effects that facilitate change.

Strategies for Effective Advocacy

Leaning into your connections is essential for effective DEI advocacy. Here are two key strategies to help you make a lasting impact:

1. Highlight the Business Case

Emphasize that DEI is not only a moral imperative. It is also a strategic advantage. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better financially. According to McKinsey & Company, companies with greater racial and ethnic diversity on their senior executive teams see a 0.8% increase in earnings for every 10% increase in diversity. Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. Presenting this data to stakeholders demonstrates the tangible value of prioritizing DEI.

2. Share Success Stories

While some organizations have scaled back, others are scaling up. Highlighting successful DEI initiatives can inspire others and provide actionable insights. For example:

• Salesforce: In 2020, Salesforce launched a DEI initiative based on employee feedback to increase belonging among underrepresented groups. The program offers confidential one-on-one sessions with internal coaches, has supported over 2,400 employees, and has positively impacted retention. It serves as a model for improving inclusion and retention through individualized support.

• PepsiCo: PepsiCo’s DEI initiative focuses on LGBTQI+ inclusivity. Encouraging voluntary self-identification of sexual orientation and gender identity, the company has gathered data from more than 12,000 employees across 33 countries. In 2024, PepsiCo plans to share anonymized representation data with HR leaders, showcasing the power of a data-driven approach to DEI.

3. Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest DEI trends and challenges. Follow thought leaders, attend DEI-focused webinars, and engage in professional development around these issues. Staying informed ensures that your advocacy efforts are relevant, timely, and impactful.

Conclusion

The rollback of DEI initiatives by major companies is a concerning trend, however, it also presents an opportunity for individuals and communities to step up and advocate for these essential values. By leveraging connections, engaging in collective action, and using effective strategies, we can continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and beyond.

So, how can you make a difference?

• Are you actively engaging with your network to promote DEI?
• Are you leveraging your platform to raise awareness and amplify marginalized voices?
• What actions can you take today to foster inclusion in your workplace or community?

Now is the time to lean into your connections, collaborate with others, and advocate for real change. Together, we can ensure that DEI remains a priority, despite the challenges. Let's talk if you need an ally in your efforts.