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Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Welcome to Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), our resource guide with comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion readings, tools, and other resources. This toolkit covers many of the fundamentals and dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion to help guide you on your paths toward allyship and understanding, and provide background on historical and current events in the modern American cultural context.

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What is Diversity?

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. Diversity is the quality of being different or unique at the individual or group level. These differences can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc.

What is Equity?

Equity is the pledge of fair treatment, opportunity and advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is an outcome to ensure that those that are from all backgrounds actually feel and are welcomed. Inclusion is the act of bringing together and harnessing differences in a way that is beneficial and creates a sense of belonging. (For a wonderful introduction to the concept of inclusion, check out this video.)

© 2017 YMCA 0f The USA

Dimensions of Diversity

There are many aspects to our identities. In 1990, Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener developed the Diversity Wheel, a framework for the various different dimensions of diversity within individuals and institutions.

The Diversity Wheel is now used to encourage thinking about values, beliefs, and dimensions of identity for people and organizations in a more interconnected way. The YMCA shared that, “to truly be inclusive and welcoming to all, it is critical to understand the many factors that make up and influence a person’s individuality. If we hold too narrow a view of what constitutes diversity, we will miss opportunities to effectively engage, connect, and serve all members of our communities.” We encourage you to explore our resources in each Dimension of Diversity below to learn more about DEI as you start your journeys toward allyship!

DEI Resources

What Is DEI

What is DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

By Brazen

Learn all about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and what these terms mean within the greater context of your organization.

Watch now


Defining diversity, equity and inclusion

By University of Michigan

Overview from the University of Michigan on the basic principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Element of Inclusion

By Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey

Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, speaker, author, and “inclusion protagonist” shares insights into creating an inclusive organization where everyone performs and everyone belongs.

Listen now


Dimensions of Diversity & Identity

By American Association of University Women

Explore this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit from the American Association of University of University Women (AAUW) to learn more about the Dimensions of Diversity & Identity

Learn more

Age

1a : the time of life at which some particular qualification, power, or capacity arises or rests

b : one of the stages of life

c : the length of an existence extending from the beginning to any given time

d : lifetime

e : an advanced stage of life

Via AAUW


Let’s End Ageism

By Ashton Applewhite

In this powerful TED Talk, author Ashton Applewhite urges us to dismantle the dread and mobilize against the last socially acceptable prejudice.

Watch now


I’m Not Done: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace

By Patti Temple

When it comes to discrimination in the workplace, we’ve come a long way as a society. But there’s still one systemically ignored form of discrimination that happens all the time, and it affects everyone: ageism. Patti’s story creates a powerful declaration and a movement to stop this last remnant of workplace discrimination in its tracks.

Learn more about the book


Ageist

AGEIST is a media company dedicated to championing the vitality, influence and contributions of the modern 50-plus demographic, and an agency that advises businesses, brands and organizations on emerging trends and how to better understand, speak to and engage this important and growing segment

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Ageism: The Accepted ‘ism’ in the Workplace

By Don’t Call It Small…Business

In this episode of the Don’t Call It Small…Business Podcast, the featured topic is the history, evolution, and destructive nature of ageism (also known as age discrimination) in the workplace. This episode touches on the discrimination of younger workers and the bridges, ladders, and leveraged opportunities that have better positioned younger people to be catapulted into career positions.

Listen now


Understanding Today’s Multigenerational Workforce

By AIHR Digital

Read the article

Race

1: any one of the groups that humans are often divided into based on physical traits regarded as common among people of shared ancestry

Via AAUW


Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

By Emmanuel Acho

Following the death of George Floyd, speaker Emmanuel Acho knew that he had to do something. So he did what he does best – talk to people. Acho sits down to have an “uncomfortable conversation” with white America, in order to educate and inform on racism, system racism, social injustice, rioting & the hurt Black people are feeling today.

Watch now


 
The 10 R’s of Talking About Race: How to Have Meaningful Conversations

By Dwight Smith

Learn more


 
We Are Meaningful

By Crystle & Krysta

In this podcast series, hosts Crystal and Krysta transform the anonymous experiences of black and brown talent into powerful audio narratives. Each month we center the dialogue around a common theme – providing you, their listeners, with tools and resources that will help you navigate, grow, and thrive in corporate spaces.

Listen now


 
Code Switch

By NPR

What’s Code Switch? It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. They explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts’ first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.

Listen now


 
Greenlining: Moving Our Country Forward

The Greenlining Institute works toward a future when communities of color can build wealth, live in healthy places filled with economic opportunity, and are ready to meet the challenges posed by climate change.

Learn more


 
Talking About Race: National Museum of African American History and Culture

By Smithsonian

Talking about race is not easy, although hard, it is necessary. The National Museum of African American History & Culture is here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.

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How to Be Antiracist

By Ibram Kendi

From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning comes a refreshing approach that will radically reorient America on the urgent issues of race, justice, and equality.

Learn more about the book


 
How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

By Clint Smith

Beginning in his hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith leads the reader on an unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks—those that are honest about the past and those that are not—that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation’s collective history, and ourselves.

Gender & Gender Identity

Definition of gender

1b : the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex.

Definition of gender identity

1 : a person’s internal sense of being male, female, some combination of male and female, or neither male nor female.

Via AAUW


 
Catalyst: Workplaces That Work for Women

Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.

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If There’s Only One Woman in Your Candidate Pool, There’s Statistically No Chance She’ll Be Hired

By Stefanie K. Johnson, David R. Hekman, and Elsa T. Chan

Harvard Business Review tackles the importance of addressing unconscious bias in corporate hiring and recruitment to address representation


 
Being an Ally, Part 1: How Men Can Advocate for Women

By The Fairer Cents: Women, Money and the Fight to Get Equal

In this episode of The Fairer Cents Podcast series, hosts Kara Perez and Tanja Hester explain how we can be the best possible financial allies to those around us, whether that’s online or offline.


 
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

By Minda Harts

Most business books provide a one-size-fits-all approach to career advice that overlooks the unique barriers that women of color face. In The Memo, Minda Harts offers a much-needed career guide tailored specifically for women of color.


 
Gender discrimination comes in many forms for today’s working women

By Kim Parker and Cary Funk

Overview from Pew Research group on the many forms of gender discrimination for today’s working women


 
Everyday Sexism

By Laura Bates

Most women experience sexism and harassment on a regular basis—daily acts that are often ignored. With her Everyday Sexism Project, writer Laura Bates talks about her inspiring initiative, The Everyday Sexism Project, an ever-increasing collection of over 50,000 women’s experiences of gender imbalance. The stories come from women of all ages, races and sexual orientations, disabled and non-disabled, employed and unemployed, religious and non-religious.


 
Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace

By Christian N. Thoroughgood, Katina Sawyer, and Jennica R. Webster

This Harvard Business Review article talks about how one can more effectively attract, retain, and promote the health and success of trans workers.Interviews with and surveys of more than 1,000 trans people over the past six years reveal four key areas of intervention that can cultivate a more trans-inclusive workplace: (1) basic signs of trans inclusivity involving bathroom use, dress codes, and pronouns; (2) effective support for gender transitions; (3) trans-specific diversity training; and (4) interventions to build resiliency.


 
Being transgender at work

By McKinsey Quarterly

This is an in-depth article that speaks about the lived experience of transgender employees in corporate America. It looks into the long road ahead to foster a truly inclusive environment for transgender employees.


 
The Importance of Gender-Inclusive Housing

By Greta Pano

Gender-inclusive housing is becoming available at more colleges and universities. Learn about the importance of this type of housing and who can access it.


 
What You Need to Know About Gender-inclusive Housing

By Oakland University Housing

This short video shares an overview of the definition and benefits of gender-inclusive housing from Oakland University.


 
Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace: Recommended Policies and Practices

By the HRC Foundation

This comprehensive resource guide from the Human Rights Campaign shares great information on how to create inclusive workplaces for Trans-identifying employees.


 
Model Transgender Employment Policy

By the Transgender Law Center

Check out The Transgender Law Center’s model policy and guide that will clarify the law and help your company welcome and include transgender, gender non-conforming, and transitioning employees. The guide includes a sample policy that your company can use as the basis for creating your own inclusive policy to ensure transgender, gender non-conforming, and transitioning employees feel safe and welcome in your workplace.

Sexual Orientation

a person’s sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual etc.

Via AAUW


DEI Toolkit: Sexual Orientation

By American Association of University Women

Resources from the American Association of University Women on basic concepts and definitions of Sexual Orientation.


 
9 Books to Better Understand Today’s Sexual Landscape

By Inverse

Learn more about these books


 
Fifty Shades of Gay

By iO Tillet Wright

Photographer iO Tillett Wright grew up between genders and sexualities. She’s shot 2,000 people who consider themselves somewhere on the LBGTQ spectrum and asked many: can they assign a percentage to how gay or straight they are? Most people consider themselves to exist in the grey areas of sexuality, which presents a real problem when it comes to discrimination. Because where do you draw the line?


 
A Guide To Gender Identity Terms

By NPR

Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people — along with challenges to their rights — have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words and ideas and identities that are new to some. That’s why NPR put together a glossary of terms relating to gender identity. Their goal is to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another.

Read the article

Mental Health

60 Digital Resources for Mental Health

By Social Work License Map

Mental health is an undeniably important matter, yet most people don’t have access to the resources they need when they need help. At Social Work License Map, they have compiled a comprehensive list of resources for anyone seeking information about and/or help for a range of mental health issues.


Psychology Today Blog

By Psychology Today

Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. Check out this blog index for a wide range of informative blogs and articles on topics related to mental health by scholars, researchers, experts from around the world.


Speak (Short Film on Mental Health)

By Sunway Group

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization. This powerful video was created to help end the stigma surrounding mental health, to remind those struggling that they are not alone, and to help start an important conversation.


The Positive Psychology Podcast

By Kristen Truempy

The Positive Psychology Podcast brings the science of the good life to your earbuds. They explore great topics like post-traumatic growth or positive parenting. Subscribe if you want to benefit from the scientific insights into happiness and meaning while you are on the go.

Abilities

1 : the quality or state of being able especially: physical, mental, or legal

Via AAUW

Center for Disability Rights

The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) is a not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and service organization for people with all types of disabilities.


 
The harmful ableist language you unknowingly use

By Sara Nović

Read the article


 
I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much

By Stella Young

Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn’t, she’d like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society’s habit of turning disabled people into inspiration.


 
The Accessible Stall

By Kyle & Emily

The Accessible Stall is a disability podcast hosted by Kyle Khachadurian and Emily Ladau that keeps it real about issues within the disability community. Because we each have different disabilities and mobility levels, we approach everything we talk about with two unique viewpoints, offering our listeners a fresh insight into how differences in disability can color your experiences and perspectives.

Religion & Values

1: the service and worship of God or the supernatural

2: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

Via AAUW

Accommodating Religion, Belief and Spirituality in the Workplace

By SHRM

There are many circumstances when an individual’s religious observances, beliefs and viewpoints enter the workplace. There is a legal framework in which employers must navigate these issues, but also an opportunity to provide a welcoming and inclusive workplace as a major factor in attracting and retaining top talent.


Creating Space for Religious Diversity at Work

By Ali Aslan Gümüsay, Michael Smets, and Tim Morris

Read the article


Everyday Example: Religion in the Workplace

By Church Newsroom

Some people might think there’s no place for religion at work, but you have protected rights to act on your beliefs. See an example of some do’s and don’ts about what’s acceptable in the office and how to respond when others think differently.


Managers: Are You Prepared to Handle Religion in the Workplace?

By Harvard Business Review

Listen now

Parental & Family Status

Parent

1a : one that begets or brings forth offspring

b : a person who brings up and cares for another

Via AAUW


DEI Toolkit: Parental Status

By American Association of University Women

Watch now


25 Must-Follow Parenting Blogs

By Lemon Lime Adventures

Learn more


16 Parenting Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss Out On

By Sabrina James, Marisa Iallonardo, and Melissa Mills

Learn more


Struggles For Working Parents Are Likely To Remain Post-Pandemic

By Ashley Stahl

Appearance

Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model

By Cameron Russell

Cameron Russell admits she won “a genetic lottery”: But don’t judge her by her looks. In this fearless talk, she takes a wry look at the modeling industry and of society’s bias toward appearance.


Attractive People Get Unfair Advantages at Work. AI Can Help.

By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

The existence of a beauty premium in the labor market is well-documented. Physically attractive individuals are more likely to be interviewed for jobs and hired, they are more likely to advance rapidly in their careers through frequent promotions, and they earn higher wages than unattractive individuals. Common manifestations of appearance-based discrimination may include bias against obese, oddly-dressed, or tattooed candidates, or any people who don’t fit a society’s dominant aesthetic criteria. In this article, Harvard Business Review exploresAI can be a powerful tool in helping to detect and expose this bias.


New Research Reveals Why ‘Appearance Discrimination’ Is Making Workplaces Even More Toxic

By Marcel Schwantes

More than 1 in 4 employees have experienced discrimination due to their looks. In this article from Inc., learn more about the effects of Appearance-based discrimination in the workplace.


The Harmful Effects of Fat Shaming

By Kris Gunnars

This article from Healthline tells you everything you need to know about fat shaming and its harmful effects.

Socioeconomics

Income

1: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor.

Socioeconomic

1 : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors.

Via AAUW

Ethnic and Racial Minorities & Socioeconomic Status

By American Psychological Association

Socioeconomic status (SES) encompasses not just income but also educational attainment, financial security, and subjective perceptions of social status and social class. Socioeconomic status can encompass quality of life attributes as well as the opportunities and privileges afforded to people within society. In this overview, learn more about how SES affects our society as a whole.


Racial wealth inequality: Social problems and solutions

By Brookings Institution

The Governance Studies Program at Brookings Institution Panel discussion on the causes, consequences, and policy solutions to the racial wealth gap.


The costs of inequality: Money = quality health care = longer life

By Alvin Powell

Learn more about what Harvard scholars are doing to identify and understand inequality, in seeking solutions to one of America’s most vexing problems.


The New National American Elite

By Michael Lind

Michael Lind is a Professor of Practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, a columnist for Tablet, and a fellow at New America. He has a master’s degree from Yale and has taught at Harvard, who proposes that America is now ruled by a single elite class rather than by local patrician smart sets competing with each other for money and power.

Inclusion, Equity, & Allyship

Why inclusion matters—and how to foster it

By McKinsey & Company

Five blog posts from McKinsey that can help leaders enhance inclusion to benefit their organization and its people.


Belonging At Work: Everyday Actions You Can Take to Cultivate an Inclusive Organization

By Rhodes Perry MPA

Belonging at Work empowers business leaders, change agents, visionaries, and those on their way to joining them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build inclusive organizations.


Empathy for Change

By Amy J. Wilson

In Empathy for Change, former White House entrepreneur-in-residence Amy J. Wilson dives into the intricate science of empathy, debunking common myths and sharing practical uses for a better society. Having built cultures of innovation and change across multiple sectors, she knows that when we do not design with compassion, we remove the humanity and closeness we have to one another.


The urgency of intersectionality

By Kimberlé Crenshaw

Now more than ever, it’s important to look boldly at the reality of race and gender bias — and understand how the two can combine to create even more harm. Kimberlé Crenshaw uses the term ‘intersectionality’ to describe this phenomenon; as she says, if you’re standing in the path of multiple forms of exclusion, you’re likely to get hit by both. In this moving talk, she calls on us to bear witness to this reality and speak up for victims of prejudice.


Being an Ally to LGBT People

By Youth Engaged Change

Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, can support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Deepening your understanding of LGBT-related issues, including basic terms and concepts, can help you support LGBT-identified people. You may have heard of the term “ally” in relation to LGBT issues. Here, Youth Engaged Change describes some ways to think about what “ally” means and provide helpful tips on how to be one.


5 Tips For Being An Ally

By Chescaleigh

Learn more about how you can be an effective supporter and ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.


How Diversity Can Drive Innovation

by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Melinda Marshall, and Laura Sherbin

Harvard Business Review explores the compelling evidence of the benefits diverse workforces have on a company’s ability to innovate —a finding that “should intensify efforts to ensure that executive ranks both embody and embrace the power of differences.“