Episode Description
In this episode of the "Not 4 Prophet Podcast," hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn, both seasoned nonprofit professionals and Black leaders, discuss the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in organizations. They explore how inauthentic DEI efforts impact Black staff and Black leadership within the nonprofit sector.
The hosts emphasize that DEI initiatives should not be limited to one-off training sessions, as these often end up being merely "checking the box" exercises. Instead, they advocate for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of an organization's operations. This includes considerations in compensation, hiring, retaining staff, board diversity, donor engagement, and evaluative measures. Inauthentic DEI efforts that stop at training and fail to address systemic issues can lead to gaslighting and feelings of frustration among Black staff.
The hosts highlight that DEI is not just a responsibility for marginalized staff but should be an organizational priority. They stress the importance of action, such as addressing pay equity, promoting diversity in leadership positions, and creating rubrics and metrics to ensure equitable practices. The episode also raises concerns about the effectiveness of some DEI trainers who may be recommended because they maintain the status quo rather than challenge systemic issues.
Trenia and David conclude that real effective DEI strategies involve organizations embracing equity and inclusion as an integral part of their strategic planning. It should not be seen as an add-on but a continuous effort to create systemic change and challenge institutional dynamics around race, class, and gender. Ultimately, they encourage leaders to act on the information they already have and assess the impact of their initiatives by dis-aggregating data based on race identity to ensure equity is achieved. The hosts welcome stories, recommendations, and best practices from listeners who have seen positive changes in their organizations' DEI efforts.
For more insights and discussions on navigating the nonprofit space as Black professionals, tune in to the "Not 4 Prophet Podcast" and gain valuable insights from seasoned industry experts.
Listen now and learn:
In This Episode
04:15 What is the heart of the problem with DEI?
08:58 How to be sensitive when working with marginalized people.
16:46 Leadership needs to get uncomfortable.
20:34 What does it mean for DEI to be effective?
30:09 The real work of DEI.
Episode Links:
TreniaParham.com
StrivEquity Consulting LLC