JUNE 2020

I’m struggling to admit how hard these last few weeks have been for me. I’m struggling because I recognize I have no right to complain -- not when so many others have been oppressed for so long.

But then again, the reason this has been so hard is because the kind of growth that’s needed to break down hundreds of years of systemic racism is, of course, HARD. Hours of reading, tough conversations, and painful self-reflection are, OF COURSE, emotionally draining, particularly when COVID has us running on fumes as it is. But the deeper we go and the harder we work, the more we grow.

As leaders and communicators, we have the power to drive conversations and make meaningful changes to eliminate inequality in our workplaces. One way we can use our positions of influence is to amplify the voices of others. That’s why we’re devoting this month’s issue of the Inkwell to share insights from outside Brilliant Ink.

I hope these resources provide helpful guidance and support for the hard work you’re doing.

In solidarity,
Ann & the Brilliant Ink team

Get It Wrong for Me: What I Need From Allies - Megan Carpenter (Blog)

"When an interested ally asks me, ‘what can I do’… I feel differently. I am too tired to carry this alone, now I am ready to put people to work." Microsoft's Director of Diversity & Inclusion Communications reflects on her experiences, what allyship means and how we can forge ahead together. READ HER PERSPECTIVE. ►

Taking Meaningful Action Against Racism - Harvard Business Review (Resource)

"No one has the perfect words to address atrocities in our society. It is the leader’s responsibility to try..." Georgetown and University of Virginia professors break down how leaders can work to create an inclusive environment by avoiding common missteps and taking real action. TAKE ACTION. ►

A Few Thoughts on Communicating About Racism - Andrew Blotky (Article)

"Communication at its core is about finding common ground." Many communicators are petrified about writing communications around racism. What if we say the wrong thing? Blotky reminds us that, while we don't have all the answers, we DO have the tools we need to show up and speak out. WE CAN DO THIS. ►

Why CEO Black Lives Matter Communications Are Critical - Upwork (Resource)

"You can directly impact the extent to which your organization counters historical inequity, inequality & injustice." Upwork's VP of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging takes a closer look at their CEO's internal memo and shares notes on what made it so impactful for the Black community. READ HER NOTES. ►

How to Manage Your Team in Times of Political Trauma - Michelle Kim (Guide)

"Can we truly create an inclusive experience if our direct managers fail to behave in an inclusive, equitable way?" Unfortunately, managers often feel ill-equipped for leading their teams during times of crises and trauma. Kim offers actionable tips and strategies to help change that. READ AND LEAD. ►

Workplace Diversity, Anti-Racism and Allyship Resources for HR and IC - Brilliant Ink (Resource Center)

As communicators, it’s our responsibility to play a part in tough conversations about diversity, inequality and anti-racism in the workplace. We've compiled some of the best resources we've found covering executive and internal comms, allyship, supporting managers and more. KEEP LEARNING. ►

12 Black, Queer Entrepreneurs Share The Secrets You Need To Succeed - Forbes (List)

"Nothing excites me more than seeing powerful examples of people who look like me doing amazing things..." In celebration of Pride Month, Thompson highlights 12 entrepeneurs in industries ranging from media to fashion to consulting to share their experiences, successes and hopes. SHARE THEIR STORIES. ►

Thursday, June 25

Internal Comms Midterm Survey Review (Webinar)

2020 has been filled with twists and turns so theEMPLOYEEapp is surveying internal comms pros on what's worked and what's to come. Brilliant Ink will join Jazz Pharmaceuticals and BNSF Logistics to review findings and share best practices to address the challenges pros are facing. SAVE YOUR SPOT. ►

Tuesday, July 14

Poppulo Virtual Bootcamp (Webinar)

IC and HR pros have an opportunity to lead like never before. But what do you do, change and adapt? We'll be answering these questions and more alongside an all-star lineup of leaders from McDonalds, All Things IC and Airbnb at Poppulo's Virtual Bootcamp. SIGN UP FOR FREE. ►

Tuesday, July 21 - Thursday, July 23

7th Annual Strategic Internal Communications—East (Virtual Conference)

We'll be joining speakers from companies like Domino's, Delta Air Lines and SocialChorus to explore what IC means today. Our brilliant Head of Research, Jackie Berg, will be leading her top-rated workshop, "Numbers to Stories: Bringing Your IC Data to Life." REGISTER TODAY. ►

DEI Experts Who Can Help Your Company TODAY
Many organizations and individuals are in the midst of a long-overdue “awakening,” realizing just HOW MUCH work needs to be done to dismantle inequality and racism. This is a marathon, not a sprint -- but many are struggling to know where to get started.

Awaken has responded to the unprecedented volume of requests it’s received by compiling a MASSIVE list of Black-owned DEI companies and consultants. We’ve been speaking with several of the organizations on this list as we look inward and also provide our clients with referrals.

We're working on creating a shortlist and will publish this to our blog in the next couple of weeks (and will also include it in next month's Inkwell). Stay tuned!

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