In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Alli Strong-Martin (Lifeworks Services, Inc.) and Ashley Oolman (Lifeworks Services, Inc.) lead listeners through a discussion about how ableism and white supremacy interlock to hinder inclusion.

Though one of the most intersectional protected classes, people with disabilities are often kept from full participation in communities and workplaces due to lingering bias and unaddressed discrimination. For disabled people who carry additional marginalized identities, these gaps become even more vast. This leads to disproportionate rates of unemployment and poverty amongst 61 million people living in the US who have a disability. In this podcast, we uncover the ways in which white, non-disabled bodies and minds have hoarded power in organizations for decades, and how we can advocate for universal policies and practices that increase workplace inclusion for all, ending the cycle of white supremacy and ableism at work.

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Samreen Vora (Children's Minnesota) and Brittany Dahlen (Children's Minnesota) answer questions from listeners that attended our August 19, 2021 webinar Using Innovative Simulation Strategies to Dismantle Systemic Racism.

Samreen Vora and Brittany Dahlen answer questions from our listening audience around these talking points:

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For additional context and insight into this topic and conversation, watch the replay of Using Innovative Simulation Strategies to Dismantle Systemic Racism.

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Brittany J. Harris (also known as Brittany Janay) shares a thoughtful note of affirmation and loving accountability to Black folks working in DEI. The toll of working in DEI while Black is well documented and there are not many spaces that center the healing and nurturing that this toll calls for—particularly as Black practitioners work to dismantle the very same systems they too are impacted by.

Brittany uses a conversation that came up in a 2021 Forum on Workplace Inclusion session to set context for this episode and offers to Black practitioners critical reflections and affirmations around three words: Clarity, Ease, and Collective.

As part of this episode, listeners will be encouraged to engage with the three learning outcomes listed below.

Brittany shares her reflections on these topics and offers insight into what she refers to as her own “intrapersonal reckoning” in hopes that it is possibility for others.

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Minal Bopaiah (Brevity & Wit) will discuss key insights from social science, particularly psychology, on how audiences hear our messages and why they need to see the system if we really want things to change.

If data and logic was enough to change people's minds, we wouldn't be arguing about climate change.

There's a lot behavioral science can tell us about how we can communicate diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that gets past people's defenses and really moves the needle on this issue. Unfortunately, most DEI practitioners are unaware of the power of framing and strategic communications. Find out what works and what doesn't. This episode will make you question your assumptions about the power of storytelling and the importance of communications in creating inclusive cultures.

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Farzana Nayani (Farzana Nayani, Consulting and Training) answers questions from listeners that attended our July 15, 2021 webinar Connecting ERGs During Distanced and Polarized Times.

Definition of acronyms:

Farzana Nayani answers questions from our listening audience around these talking points:

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For additional context and insight into this topic and conversation, watch the replay of Connecting ERGs During Distanced and Polarized Times.

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Sheena Mason (Theory of Racelessness) deep dives into the concept of race and how by knowing more about race philosophy, we can begin to intentionally uproot racism in our everyday lives.

Dr. Sheena Mason shares how the concept of race, while not rooted in biology or science, continues to be naturalized and viewed as something "of nature." The camouflaging of racism as race (i.e., race[ism]) remains, in large part, why many people and institutions have failed to entirely and meaningfully address racism even when actively participating in anti-racist efforts.

With this in mind, Dr. Mason talks about and defines the philosophies of race as indicated through popular discourse, literature, and civil rights efforts. She will discuss further readings and ideas to consider. Ultimately, the podcast shows how many people unintentionally uphold racism. Importantly, she shares how we can stop.

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Luiza Dreasher (Mastering Cultural Differences) answer questions from listeners that attended our May 27, 2021 webinar Mastering Cultural Differences: Strategies for Leading a Global Workforce.

Luiza answers questions from our listening audience around these talking points:

For additional context and insight into this topic and conversation, watch the replay of Mastering Cultural Differences: Strategies for Leading a Global Workforce. Visit Luiza's website.

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Roselle Rogers (Circa) and Pamela Pujo (Affirmity) offer a practical and actionable guide to launching or refreshing your organization's DEI program.

With the increasing pressures from the burgeoning discussion around race and diversity, many HR practitioners have been assigned the responsibility for developing a Diversity and Inclusion program in their organizations. What are the key components of a D&I program? What are the key elements for success and engagement? How do you measure success beyond applicants and hires? How do you make it sustainable? How can you take it beyond a program into a transformative business strategy?

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Theodora Philip (TAP Consultants, LLC) and Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel (The XaySky Group) explore being an ally as Black Caribbean women, and, through storytelling, they share strategies to advocate and promote equity at work and in society.

While much of the focus in recent times have been on racial, ethic, and LGBTQ+ discrimination and disparities, who is an ally, how to be one and the actions that should be taken to promote equity of the marginalized they support is more complex than the headlines. Fundamentally, discrimination and inequities are related to a spectrum of characteristics that involves just being human. These include but are not limited to age, culture, disabilities (innate or acquired), gender, indigenous heritage, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic, political views, among others. The challenge becomes when the ally themselves show up in society or are perceived as a member of the marginalized group under attack.

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Zaylore Stout (Zaylore Stout & Associates, LLC) and Jim Potts (Potts & Associates) explore domestic terrorism, how DEI professionals can recognize potential threats, and practical ways to implement situational awareness.

The world is changing. Communication and technology are bringing our shores closer together. The internet presents an opportunity for violent extremist to reach out all over the world to present their ideologies to anyone willing to listen. Individuals, including children and young adults, are being radicalized which in turn, translates into domestic terrorism. The Oklahoma Bombing, Columbine, Pulse Nightclub, Stoneman Douglas, the US Capitol, mall shootings and places of faith being attacked are all examples of historical events that will be addressed along with statistics while highlighting the detrimental impact of women v. men and hate groups (by state) on workplaces across the country. Understanding why people lash out violently in the workplace is the first step HR and D&I professionals can take towards mitigating risk factors that may materialize in the workplace.