How do you get started in developing partnerships with Black & Latinx organizations?
Toy Box 5th Edition
Hello and welcome to ToyBox - a blog that unpacks systemic racism and the workplace. We are officially a community of 70 members! Thanks so much for the support and for choosing to engage with these issues. This week’s issue is short - 418 words and 3 mins. Enjoy!
You ask, we answer
Question: You suggest partnering with Latinx and Black orgs to create diverse pipelines but how do you suggest getting started in developing those partnerships? Also, how do you find the right partners? Thanks!
Answer: The same way you would develop a partnership with any other organization. Research the organization, figure out your value proposition, develop a pitch, find a point person, and reach out. There’s no perfect way to do it - you just have to go for it. Here are some quick tips:
Do
Be honest and real - you’re reaching out to diversify your pipeline as a business necessity. They’re probably smart enough to figure that out or they’re not worth hiring IMO. But if the jobs you’re offering actually appeal to them, it won’t matter. This is an exchange - you’re looking for talent and they’re looking for work.
Frame it as a talent search - acknowledge that you’re looking for the best talent possible and know that talent comes in all forms. You’ve realized that you haven’t been doing enough to reach people. And if you’re not reaching out to a diverse set of sources for talent, you’re not building a great company. And you want to build a great company.
Sell your company to them the way you would pitch an investor. They deserve the same level of effort that you would give to a potential business deal. After all, great talent is highly sought after and you want to compete to win. Make sure to follow up and prioritize them.
Do NOT
Lead with “I’m looking for BIPOC talent.” That type of approach comes off as tokenism and it doesn’t do justice to the incredible minds you’re trying to reach. You’re looking for great talent and you know it exists in these communities. Catch the difference?
Wax poetic about social justice. Chances are they probably know more about these issues than you do and you don’t want to do any whitesplaining. If social justice is an authentic part of your company’s mission and culture, go for it. But otherwise, it’s probably better to not.
Got a question? Take 30 seconds to ask and we’ll answer:
How to be an ally at work this week
Take 20 minutes this evening and find 3 BIPOC organizations that your company could partner with to diversify the talent pipeline.
Educational resources
See you next week!
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