Today, I want to talk about a very important topic that we are still grappling with within the energy, climate, and environmental policy advocacy field - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Oftentimes, I get calls from clients wanting to start a DEI initiative. While I am very excited for them, I usually end up asking, “Do you really mean DEI, or are you simply feeling stuck with how to get more people who are impacted by your work to care and be involved?”

While establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion goals is certainly critical to maximizing impact, I have seen firsthand how approaching DEI as a stand-alone initiative can be a distraction and ultimately lead to failed attempts to broaden and engage your key constituents in your advocacy efforts.

I believe the secret is getting crystal clear and staying focused on the overall outcome you want to achieve so that when you say diversity, equity, and inclusion, you have a clear sense of what that truly means for you, your organization, and the people you are serving.

And, of course, you want to make sure your stakeholders and community partners are diverse, especially if your key decision-makers are. But, your goal isn’t to establish a random program or hire a new staff person to lead the way; instead, be strategic about the impact you want to have in order to help you better identify, engage, and activate the “right” people.

Here are a few tips to help you get started with your thinking process:

1. Get specific about your outcome. What’s the change you want to see? Who decides? Who is impacted? Again, the goal is to be as specific as possible so that you can identify, engage, and activate the right partners to help you reach your goal.

2. Do some research. Learn more about the specific geographic area you work in. What is the demographic? Who are the leaders? What organizations are in the area? This will help you have a full view of the landscape so that you can better understand how you can show up in a way that is meaningful and adds value.

3. Create a plan within your plan. What are the specific steps you will take to identify, engage, and activate your new stakeholders? Will you go to community meetings, make phone calls, or create and disseminate communications collateral? Will you decide to leverage your existing relationships with your staff, board members, or even just your friends and family?

At the root of it all, your ability to develop a concrete, comprehensive, and actionable DEI Strategy before launching a DEI Initiative will set you on the right path toward greater success and long-term engagement with those you serve.

Rooted works together with you as a partner to ensure your overall mission. Our services encompass Specialized Consulting, Issue Advocacy, and Advisory Services to guide your thinking and activate your vision.