Create a safe space for business resource group members and all employees to collectively discuss the impact of racism and learn about how it shows up, the systematic nature of it and what we can do about it. Foster greater understanding, self-reflection, mutual respect and educate employees on how to take action.

PPL’s Black business resource group, AABRG, launched a series of facilitated discussions called, Let’s Talk, Let’s Learn, Let’s Act. The sessions foster open and frank conversations around racism and injustice and allow for experiential learning in small group breakout sessions. The format allows individuals to expand their professional circles to invite more diverse perspectives in a virtual format.

The sessions are designed as bi-weekly conversations with an external facilitator focused on the following topics:

• Racism – origination, social construct, evolution, and systemic nature of it.
• Cultural Competence, self-awareness, racial equity, and social justice framework.
• Bias – Confirmation bias, Groupthink Bias, Anchoring bias and In-group bias, and Brain Synapse & Bias Stimulators, Implicit bias and microaggressions.
• Clarification of Black Lives Matter Movement, 1619 project, being Anti-Racist and white Privilege.

The sessions have improved understanding, created a sense of belonging, provided rich learning experiences, and encouraged employees to lean-in and embrace difficult conversations.

The initial session was attended by 135 employees, leaders and executives. Subsequent sessions have averaged a bi-weekly participation of 40 employees from a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds. These sessions have included consistent participation from PPL’s CEO, President, and a member of the Board of Directors. PPL has collaborated with our sister companies in Kentucky and New York to ensure a shared responsibility to promoting inclusion in difficult conversations about race, racism and social injustice. 

Kristine Maciolek: Director - Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management