Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster inclusion and mutual support. These groups are generally formed around common identities, interests, or backgrounds, and give people who share those identities a space to network, support each other, and build community.
Research supports that ERGs have the potential to foster community, create stronger employee ties to the college, promote engagement with peers, and provide opportunities for professional development and leadership experiences. We believe that when ERGs are employee-created, managed, and supported, they contribute greatly to creating a more welcoming and inclusive work environment.
In alignment with the L&C strategic plan, ERGs are one strategy toward the goals to:
- Retain a diverse work community
- Recognize, celebrate, and support all facets of each individual’s identity
- Provide opportunities for all members of our community to engage in reflective inquiry and to grow in the areas of inclusivity, respect, cultural curiosity, and cultural humility
Interested in creating an Employee Resource Group? Submit your application here
- Find at least three interested members
- Fill out ERG Forms (which include the Application, Mission Statement and Budget template)
- Meet with OEI to discuss plans and ideas
- Select a leader or co-leaders (each group can determine a selection process)
- Host events, recruit more members and have fun!
Groups must articulate their alignment with the L&C strategic plan and the mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. ERGs can be composed of members of historically marginalized groups (e.g., BIPOC, LGTBQIA+, people experiencing disabilities, etc) as well as other shared identities and interests. On our campus, some groups may be more encompassing and others may be more specific, depending on interest and membership.
All L&C ERGs will be inclusive, meaning that while their mission may center the issues of a particular group of people around a shared identity, all are welcome! They especially welcome “allies” from groups that claim other social identities but who share the same values, mission and goals as the members of the ERG.
Each ERG can choose how they want to spend their time together to achieve their vision and goals; they do not have to look exactly the same. Some ideas for activities could include:
- Networking events
- Educational and civic activities that are beneficial to the membership of the ERG
- Welcoming new employees to the campus
- Campus events to promote diversity, equity and inclusion
- A positive work environment
- Personal and professional growth, development, and enrichment
- Support and resources
- Community events
- Collaborations across ERGs
Developing the initial framework of the group’s mission, vision, values, and goals (via the start-up application process) makes it easier to tie activities to these core ideals, thereby establishing an identity and purpose for the ERG.
Yes. Beyond the initial ERG Forms to establish the ERG, there are additional requirements.
- Eventually, the ERG must submit an annual document that includes a proposed plan that describes overall inclusion strategies; tentative events, activities, or meetings; and a proposed budget for the upcoming year.
- To request funding for ongoing activities, a budget for the activity must be submitted and approved. The ERG must also submit an annual report at the end of the fiscal year that summarizes the past year’s activities. Templates will be provided.
- ERGs are expected to meet (any combination of meetings/events/activities) a minimum of four times per fiscal year (June-May).
You can contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion with questions!
- diversityinclusion@lclark.edu
- 503.768.7168
Equity and Inclusion is located in room 116-117 of McAfee on the undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 145
voice 503-768-7186
email: diversityinclusion@lclark.edu
Equity and Inclusion
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 145
Portland OR 97219