We know that a one day training will not eradicate racism in an organization nor will it change structural issues of equity that exist within the organization. DiverseDEV will work with organizations over a minimum of six month period to provide in depth analysis of the organizational culture, mission and build consensus around values that embed equity and justice in the organization’s mission.
In order to accomplish this goal, we will work with leadership and management teams to perform an organization equity review, analyze the results and assist the organization in the dissemination and discussions around the results. Our trainings will include facilitated discussions, reading materials on unconscious bias, critical race theory, inclusive climates and diversity.
We work with international organizations providing international humanitarian and development aid specifically because the sector has a history of injustice and saviorism that have cemented gross power imbalances between donors and people on the receiving end of humanitarian aid.
Equity Assessments – A way to consider the needs of an organization in terms of equity is to survey how employees are feeling at work. How engaged are they? Do they feel included in the organization? Do they perceive the organization as fair? Do they believe that the organization is consistent in its application of rules and procedures across the organization?
Equity assessments can support the DEI journey in very critical ways because employees share opinions and concerns about the organization, their beliefs and commitment to the mission as well what continues to motivate them. Diverse DEV will develop the equity assessments, review data, write an equity report and lead facilitated discussion with staff and managers about the results – what does the equity review say about the organization? What happens next? We will provide a summary of data including areas for prioritization, action, and further investigation
In consultation with relevant team members, Diverse DEV will create a strategy for ongoing DEI data collection and use, including methods for data collection and interpretation, and plans for how data should be used/shared across the organization.
It is my belief that telling stories about a lived experience is an impactful way to communicate with people who may not share your world view.
In 2010, after traveling to Haiti to work for Oxfam America, I came back home prepared to write and speak about my experiences working in international development, critiquing the sector while seeking opportunities to share solutions.
It is my experience that the international development and humanitarian aid sector has suffered over the years to become this bloated industry of “do gooders” while doing extraordinary harm to vulnerable people all over the world. I speak on panels on topics of racism and discrimination, diversity, equity and inclusion and ensuring a ethic of care in the development sector.
We are taking care of human beings in this sector and we have to speak with a language of care.
From Left to Right
Megan O’Donnel
Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Director, Gender Center for Global Development
Angela Bowe
Recruitment and Training Coordinator
Center for Global Development
Nana Apenem Dagadu
M&E Advisor, Reproductive Health
Save the Children US
Angela Bruce- Raeburn
DiverseDEV
Stephanie Kimou
PopWorks Africa
Erin Gar-Yun Andriamahefa
National Foundation Grants Manager
Tahirih Justice Center