Not Business as Usual

After a traumatic, emotionally heavy weekend across our nation it may feel like an overwhelming burden to get ready to smile on your zoom meetings and carry on with business as usual. I had many conversations this weekend with friends who felt discouraged because they were not on the frontlines of the protests but care deeply about the fight for equality. While we are grateful for those men and women on the frontlines, the reality is not all activism looks the same. We each have been blessed with unique skills and platforms to enact social change. Deep Iyer reminds us that there is a social change eco system which we all can play a part. Using this framework, here are some ways you can have an impact as you brave work this week:

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𝟏. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: You may already be involved in employee resource groups or have roles where you can advocate for the advancement of other minorities. How can you use your voice as a mechanism for change in your company? ⁣

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𝟐. 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲:  No doubt the events from the past week will be a topic of conversation in our workplace. When those conversations arise, how can you make sure to advocate for racial justice? Are you prepared to have a courageous conversation with your colleagues? ⁣

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𝟑. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: The trauma from all we are witnessing in the 24/7 news cycle is real. How can you pour into your community to provide care, joy and connection for those hurting around you? Don’t underestimate the power of an encouraging word or giving someone a reason to smile.⁣

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We all have important roles. We will get through this together. Be well.