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Title: Micro Communities of Safety: Perspectives from NOAA Employee Resource Group Member
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that engage in activities designed to foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, accessible, and just (DEIAJ) workplace within the organizations they serve. ERGs have become increasingly relevant, helping to promote a sense of belonging among groups who identify along a variety of marginalized identities. Effective ERGs help leadership gain critical insights into the challenges certain groups face, assisting with retention and employee engagement. ERGs create safe spaces for members to speak truths and offer a collective voice around shared interests as well as a place to hone professional skills. Leveraging ERGs can help agencies achieve the DEIAJ goals mandated in several US Presidential Executive Orders (E.O. 13985, 2021; E.O. 14035, 2021). NOAA plays a critical role in influencing scientific communities and provides a unique opportunity to highlight actionable steps to enhance DEIAJ in these important spaces. NOAA is home to over 10 outstanding, award-winning ERGs. This article highlights successful aspects of NOAA’s ERGs and how various features may translate to other institutions and agencies seeking to improve DEIAJ in the workplace.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2231647
PAR ID:
10544075
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Corporate Creator(s):
Publisher / Repository:
The Oceanography Society
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Oceanography
Volume:
36
Issue:
4
ISSN:
1042-8275
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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