With racial unrest sweeping our nation, including in our own city, Citizens Energy Group is working to advance our core value of diversity through enhanced communications and training efforts.
In late June, the Diversity and Inclusion Team launched “Real Conversations: A Focus on Racial Diversity,” a series of small-group online meetings, to provide an opportunity for open dialogue. The series of one-hour discussions will continue, allowing employees to share their thoughts and feelings about racial justice issues and diversity and inclusion at Citizens, as well as resources such as books and videos they have found helpful for learning more about the issues.
“As I witness the racial tension across our nation, participating in these conversations that are sometimes uncomfortable is very important to rekindle the dream Dr. King and many others set forth during the civil rights movement,” said Tamiko Kendrick, Manager, Diversity and Employee Communications. “This journey toward unity will require that all races move beyond empathy to peace and goodwill in our world, our communities and workplace.”
A Citizens Officer kicks off each meeting, and Kendrick serves as the facilitator. Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Team, led by Daphne Chiu, Manager, Resource Recovery, help answer questions during the meetings and provide resources for employees to gain more knowledge.
Employees are given the opportunity to share suggestions with coworkers about playing a part in bringing unity and healing to our communities. Racial profiling, systemic racism and implicit bias have also been discussed during the meetings.
If you are interested in joining the dialogue, you can find a list of dates and times of future “Real Conversations” and sign up at bit.ly/RealConversationsSignUp.
Payton Staman, Engineer I, encourages coworkers to join the conversation. “I believe it is essential to listen to others’ perspectives and experiences regarding racial and social unrest in order to become culturally competent,” he said. “I am thankful to work for a company that values diversity, social equity, and the perspective of all its employees.”
Tamiko Kendrick, Manager, Diversity and Employee Communications, facilitates a "Real Conversations" meeting with a group of Citizens Energy Group employees.
