Associate Resource Groups (ARG) are voluntary, associate-led groups with a goal to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace at TPI. Although TPI has a global ARG, there is no clear process as to how to start an ARG at TPI.

Our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness) Council took an interest in this process and created an ARG toolkit to help guide associates in a very clear path. The kit includes an overarching charter that depicts what an ARG is, examples of ARGs, a sample structure, a clear approval process for interest in a new one. It starts with an inquiry form that encourages the associates to ask the right questions to facilitate their proposal. They then submit that proposal to the IDEA Council to be approved and establish an Executive Sponsor. Once approved, the council sends the ARG champion (typically the person who completed the inquiry form) and the Executive Sponsor the sample charter to further outline the things they will need, such as meeting frequency, budget, target demographic, etc. It also includes our four ARG objective pillars, around leading, empowering, advancing, and promoting. 

Since releasing our toolkit, we have had a few ARG inquiry forms submitted and have further helped associates identify what an ARG is and how they can start their own. We feel this process has allowed the associates to own it better without an ARG becoming an HR lead initiative.