We recognized that to become catalysts for change, it all begins with increased awareness, education, reflection and conversation. We understood that we needed a forum for our colleagues to engage in this learning and dialogue on an ongoing basis.

In September 2020, we launched a monthly Diversity and Inclusion Listening & Learning Series. We purposefully divide the entire group into 3-4 individual groups to provide a more intimate forum that supports candid and vulnerable conversations. These often are new skills sets for many of us – especially in the workplace, so our first several sessions were focused on leveraging externally-created content about how to have culturally-sensitive conversations, as well as exploring each member’s intrinsic motivators/preferred communication styles using a proven behavioral assessment tool. With this foundation, the group developed guiding principles for how to engage with one another in a productive and respectful manner that encourages dialogue rather than debate. Each month, we use interactive and unique methods to engage in a centralized topic. For example, we’ve focused on key actions to become a better ally where each member further researched one action prior to the meeting and then shared how they as individuals and we as a company could implement that action. For Black History Month, we offered a “Day at the Museum” where members shared their learnings based on a virtual museum visit that highlighted Black voices in art and culture.  Each month offers a different topic that touches on all aspects of diversity and inclusion. We have also started a three-month book club based on a New York Times bestseller that explores the foundational elements of racism as it exists today and what we can do improve our world.

We initially had 9% of our colleague base participate in this forum. We have now grown to a group that represents 13% of colleagues in all levels and departments within the organization. Anecdotal testimonials show specifically how this series has enabled our colleagues to enact change within their own families and communities. For example, one of our colleagues had a negative, racially-motivated experience at a local retailer. She wrote us saying, “…it took me two days to process my feelings and thoughts before contacting the store manager as to what had happened. I feel like the tools I had through Tivity’s Diversity and Inclusion trainings helped me approach the situation more pragmatically. I sincerely THANK YOU as a company for stepping up and ensuring we have the tools we need to be better humans"