Employee Resource Groups

This network exists to bring together staff, faculty, and employees to discuss, convene and join in community. This will primarily be done through informal meetups, social hang outs, book groups, off-campus field trips and family connection activities. While all identities are welcome, we will be centering those who identify on the BIPOC diaspora.

For more information, email Jaime Cale, jaimecale@lclark.edu

Our goal is to create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for new and current employees who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, provide resources around mental/physical social well-being, and to, bring LGBTQIA2S+ community members together in ways that are joyful and affirming, and provide knowledge about Portland and the metro area that would be valuable to LGBTQIA2S+ community members.

While all identities are welcome, we will be centering those who identify as LGTBQIA2S+.

More information please email Jude Singer, judesinger@lclark.edu

Everyone on campus interacts with people who are approaching, in the middle of, or have gone through menopause. And yet, this topic is still very much taboo. Conversations about menopause and its myriad mysteries are conducted in hushed tones, often behind closed doors. Colleagues aren’t sure who they can talk to at work (or even in their personal lives) about their experiences. Where do you go for advice? For camaraderie? Or just to kvetch?

It’s time we bring these conversations out in the open. It’s time to learn from each other and from experts in the field. It’s time we celebrate the cycle of life and all that comes with it! OK, that last part may be a bit dramatic, but the point is that we have an opportunity to get together to share resources, offer support, and break down the stigma of discussing this topic.

All L&C employees are invited to join in this journey and exploration. We plan to hold both educational and social sessions, invite speakers, entertain questions, provide resources, and have fun along the way.

While all identities are welcome and encouraged to participate, the focus of these sessions will be around the physical and psychological issues surrounding menopause.

For more information, please email Vanessa Holmgren, holmgren@lclark.edu

Full description coming soon.

For more information, please email the Office of Equity and Inclusion, diversityinclusion@lclark.edu

• 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.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) will maintain a list of current ERGs on this website. Prospective members can then reach out to OEI for more information. ERG information will be shared with new employees during New Employee Orientation. Each ERG will develop additional processes for welcoming new members and share those avenues with OEI, so that prospective members can be connected in multiple ways.

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.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) can support the development and application of ERGs at the inception of a group. OEI will also serve as the point of contact for reviewing activities, help with activity planning if needed, financial requests, adherence to guidelines, general support, and annual reporting. L&C will offer funding to ERGs (each group is eligible for up to $1000 annually) in support of our institutional commitment to inclusion and belonging.

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
• 503.768.716