By Dennis McIver, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program Manager
Last November, I reached ten years of service with the University of California. As I look back on the last decade, I’m deeply humbled by the experiences I’ve had, the lessons I’ve learned, and the friends I’ve made through my service with UC’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
For those who are unaware, ERGs are faculty- and staff-led organizations usually centered on a shared experience. While ERGs offer many benefits (more on that later), one very specific one is their ability to build networks. Here are a few ways ERGs can help you build networks of support, information, and growth, and how to get started.
ERGs let you engage at your comfort level
In 2017, I was invited to join a lunchtime social held by UC Riverside’s Black Faculty And Staff Association. As a self-described introvert, my initial reaction was nervousness at the sheer number of people present. However, the nervousness quickly vanished as I met people who helped me feel like I belonged there. I’ve seen that same energy across countless events, from basketball games to volunteer events to conferences.
One ERG superpower is the wide range of events offered to employees. Throughout the year, ERGs offer a plethora of activities in person or online, for dozens of people or just a handful, from active volunteering and service to widening perspectives through panel discussions. I’ve also found that many ERGs offer spaces to share experiences, such as lunchtime meals, coffee breaks, or wellness activities like group fitness and dancing.
What’s more, many ERGs are willing to take members’ ideas and build on them. More recently, I’ve seen ERGs offer experiences on complex topics such as understanding university budgets, artificial intelligence, and even service activities in their surrounding communities.
In each case, ERGs have allowed me to meet individuals whom I normally wouldn’t have while also developing a better understanding of others.
Beyond event programming, ERGs serve as conduits for information and other resources for their members. On typical ERG channels (whether through Slack, Zoom, or a listserv), members can share opportunities such as community events, professional development conferences, historical facts, and joyful news. This passive act not only keeps members informed but also provides members with chances to engage with each other.
ERGs can help you safely stretch
One of the greatest benefits of participating in ERGs is the opportunity to learn or refine a skill. By participating in many ERGs, I’ve learned many things I didn’t know before, ranging from event planning to marketing to managing up. In the process of learning these skills, I have had the chance to connect with others who provided guidance along the way. A few of those individuals are now among my closest friends. Holding leadership roles in ERGs helped me become more comfortable as a facilitator. These experiences also inspired me to return to school to study ERGs, where my dissertation identified emotional intelligence as another realm of learning through ERG leadership.
Perhaps most interestingly, attending ERG activities provides an opportunity to connect with organizational leadership in a safe setting. As one typical function, ERGs invite university leaders to discuss their lives and vision. In fact, one of my favorite events was a UC Womxn in Tech conversation with UC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rachael Nava, facilitated by my friend (and BLAC@UC Co-Founder) Charron Andrus.
Next steps
If you’re now interested in participating in an ERG, congratulations! You’ve met the most important requirement for getting involved.
To make it simple, I recommend a 3-2-1 approach for getting started:
- Sign up for at least three ERGs at your location. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a listing of UC staff organizations at each campus/location.
- Attend at least two general membership meetings of the staff organizations you sign up for.
- Participate in at least one ERG event.
Bonus points: Within the ERG, choose someone to connect with, in person or on LinkedIn!
Closing thoughts
For myself and countless others, ERGs have served as a safe environment to engage, build your network, and learn about yourself and others. I encourage you to consider it for your own growth. And when in doubt, just start!
Author
Dennis McIver
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program Manager
UC Office of the President
About the Professional Growth Series
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