Following the social unrest in 2020, ICF needed to develop a forum where employees could feel comfortable, safe, informed, and respected​​​​​​​.

Informed by employee feedback from Listening Tour sessions, focus groups, and survey results as well as ​​​ research on best practices, ICF’s diversity and inclusion plan was developed, focusing on 4 pillars, one of which is Culture and Community Building. An aspect of this pillar was the launch of 6 Employee Community Networks (ECNs). They were developed to showcase to employees that ICF embraces differences and considers them an essential part of the company’s success. They provide a forum for employees who share or support common characteristics, interests, and goals. ECNs foster support, networking, professional development, community outreach, and business impact. They aim to help employees feel more comfortable, safe, informed, and respected. ECNs offer ICF’s leadership a resource for advice, strategy, and feedback on diversity and inclusion. They contribute programs, initiatives, and events that reinforce ICF’s inclusive culture and promote workforce diversity. The ECNs have ICF’s full leadership support and each one has an Executive Sponsor(s), Chair, and Co-chairs. These are employees in ICF leadership positions with a personal interest in establishing these groups to build community networks within the company. ECNs are open to all employees and they can join more than one. The 6 ECNs are: Asian, Black, Diverse Abilities, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQIA+, and Women.

The ECNs have been very successful. Each one held a kickoff event and has developed a plan of activities for the remainder of 2021 which ranges from discussion topics, open forums for it’s members to contribute ideas, guest speakers, brown bag sessions, workshops, newsletters, networking events and even a virtual cookout! Employees embrace the opportunity to belong to a purpose-driven community and the chance to shape not only the ECN but ICF as a whole.