group White Employee Resource Groups

Why? Everyone is doing it...

person_raised_hand How to Create a White ERG

It’s illegal to deny an ERG based on race under U.S. federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - you’re legally protected from discrimination and retaliation in making this request.

1. Learn the Process

Send a professional email to your Chief Diversity Officer or HR representative, e.g.:

I am interested in learning more about how to establish a new ERG at our company. Can you share the approved process or procedure for creating one? Thank you.”

2. Follow the Process

Name it "White ERG", "Ethnic-European ERG", or similar.

• Document everything moving forward. Keep correspondence in writing (e.g. email). When they steer towards close door conversations, take notes and share via email afterwards.
• Be open and transparent. Announce your ERG request to all colleagues and staff. They want your request to disappear, don't let it. This step also helps if whistleblowing is needed.

3. Handle Pushback

You are legally protected.

• Understand antiwhiteism. These staff suffer antiwhite bias, and will likely say inappropriate things. Be prepared to document it.
• Openly follow up on delays. They will try to ignore or stall. Follow up and escalate professionally, documenting inequities other ERGs did not face.
• Stay on offense. Confidently but professionally let individuals pushing back know you are documenting. Knowing discrimination is illegal, they will dodge or escalate.
• Call out retaliation. HR and Legal departments know retaliation bolsters any employment lawsuit. Put anyone who tries on immediate notice, filing grievance if necessary e.g.: extra workload, sudden scrutiny, lowered performance review, change in duties, denied promotion, etc.

For more, read this thread on X@DEI4WhiteGuys