Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are wildly popular in workplaces. These groups—sometimes referred to as Employee Impact Groups or Business Resource Groups—are linked to Diversity and Inclusion strategies within the workplace. Traditionally, many companies offer women’s groups, LBGTQ groups, veteran’s groups, and different racial and ethnic groups. However, veg groups are becoming more prevalent. Below are 3 steps to creating a veg group at work:
Step 1: Create a compelling case.
Making a compelling proposal starts with examining your own company’s values and philosophy. Using the language on your company’s internal and external websites can help ensure you’re speaking the right language to align it to the business. In cases where your company cares about employee health (lowering chronic diseases) and environmental sustainability, drafting this proposal should be a slam-dunk. Check out my template which you are free to copy-paste as you see fit!
Step 2: Assemble a small team who can help get the veg group off the ground.
Think about Margaret Mead’s quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has…” and find one, two, or three other people in your company that feel the way you do. Have them review the proposal you created in Step 1 and incorporate whatever improvements can be made.
Step 3: Submit it through the proper channels.
Companies usually have an establishment process for starting a new ERG. Oftentimes, especially with larger companies, there is an individual responsible for managing and overseeing the ERGs. Reach out to that person to introduce yourself and share what you’d like to do. Ask for help: “Please review this proposal. Do you have constructive feedback and comments before it goes up the chain?” This can help you build an ally while getting invaluable input to make it even better.
Once your Veg Employee Resource Group is approved, stay tuned for a future blog on how to grow the size and influence of your ERG within your company.
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About the Author
Gigi Carter, nutritionist, personal trainer and author, resides in Washington state. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from John Carroll University and a master’s in business administration from Cleveland State University. Over the last two decades, Carter’s career has been mostly with Fortune 500 companies in financial services and manufacturing. Carter made a career change in 2016 to pursue her master’s in nutrition sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she graduated with honors, and launched the socially conscious nutrition and wellness practice, My True Self, PLLC. Carter is a licensed nutritionist in the State of Washington, and certified personal trainer and senior fitness specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is the author of The Plant-Based Workplace and co-author of The Spinach in My Teeth.