How to Explain Your Vision for a Faith-Based Employee Resource Group (ERG)
Article / Produced by TOW Project and Partners
A key step in the planning process is developing the messaging that will help you “sell” your ERG to key decision makers at your company. This is easier than you may think. A lot of the values companies profess will be served well by introducing a Christian ERG to their ecosystem. This chapter will introduce you to several important frameworks to take into account as you craft the language you will use to describe your ERG. These include Diversity and Inclusion commitments made by your organization, national standards protecting freedom of religion, and complementary company objectives such as employee retention and improved recruitment.
"When we created our mission statement, we were very focused. We said: "Faith is who we are. It's unique to our authentic self. It's something that impacts everything. In the workplace and outside the workplace."
- Glenda Cameron, Interfaith ERG Global Co-Leader, Dell Technologies
FAITH-BASED EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGS) FULFILL CORPORATE OBJECTIVES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Many companies have stated policies related to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE&I). You can directly employ the language of these policies to make a case for your Employee Resource Group (ERG). Here are some examples of real DE&I policies, and how they might pave the way for a Christian ERG. See if your company has a DE&I policy, and note its unique language in the space below.
“At the Ford Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – across all of our work around the world.”
Sample Mission Statement For A Christian Employee Resource Group (ERG) At This Company:
A Christian ERG fits into Ford’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Values, such as those expressed by our Christian employees, are at the core of who we are. A Christian ERG will demonstrate Ford’s unwavering commitment to these values across all of our work around the world.
“Amazon’s mission is to be the earth’s most customer-centric company, and this mission is central to our work in diversity and inclusion. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our products and services, and help us better serve customers, selling partners, content creators, employees, and community stakeholders from every background.”
Sample Mission Statement For A Christian Employee Resource Group (ERG) At This Company:
A Christian ERG expresses Amazon’s mission to be the earth’s most customer-centric company. When Christians are supported through a faith-based network, they have a more positive impact on diverse and inclusive teams that work to better serve customers and stakeholders from every background.
CRAFT A MISSION STATEMENT FOR YOUR FAITH-BASED EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP (ERG)
A Christian ERG fulfills our company’s DE&I objectives because: ___________________________________________
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