Action: Initiate conversations or conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with friends, employees, students, or community members to understand their experiences, perspectives, and needs related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. Use the data to inform your approach and identify areas for improvement.

Informal Research Template  Here’s an example script to ask friends for their thoughts on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

Introduction Hey, how’s it going? I wanted to ask your thoughts on something that’s been on my mind lately. You know how important diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging are, right? Questions 1. What does diversity mean to you? 2. How important do you think it is to have diversity in our workplaces, schools, and communities? 3. Do you feel that our society is making progress in promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging? Why or why not? Closing Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. It’s really important to have these conversations and to keep learning and growing. Let’s keep working together to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place.

Formal Research Template  Here’s an example conversation script for conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

Introduction Hello, and thank you for joining us today. We’re conducting this survey/focus group/interview to understand your experiences, perspectives, and needs related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. Our goal is to gather feedback and data that will help us improve our approach and create a more inclusive environment. Questions 1. How do you define diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging? 2. In your experience, do you feel that our organization/school/community promotes diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging? Why or why not? 3. What are some initiatives or strategies that you think our organization/school/community could implement to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging? Closing Thank you for your time and input. I appreciate your feedback and will use it to inform our approach and identify areas for improvement.

For your consideration: 

1.  When discussing race, racism and DEIB, it is essential to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Every conversation should not be about calling someone out or calling someone in. Instead, it should be an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build empathy.

2.  A crucial aspect of having conversations about race and racism is to be mindful of the power dynamics at play. It is also essential to recognize and acknowledge the privilege and biases that may influence your views and experiences and how people of color respond and engage with you as a result of power and privilege.

3.  By initiating general conversations related to DEIB, you can build your instinct of not ignoring racism but addressing it.