Activism in Business: The First Steps
Since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, I’ve been reading, listening, signing petitions, self-reflecting and working through my own feelings on racism. Admittedly, I've barely scratched the surface.
I’m aware that racism is not a new issue, but we’ve been called to really look at this deep and systemic issue again, NOW. Ignorance is no longer an option, it's time to get uncomfortable (and let’s be honest, nothing great ever came from comfort zones).
In staying silent we are saying that racism is ok, and it’s not. That’s not the kind of world I want to live in.
This isn’t a passive pursuit, and there is a line between activism (actually taking action and leading social change) vs. tokenism (doing the bare minimum to prevent criticism and send a symbol that you care, without actually driving change).
Let’s put aside what is ‘on brand’ for a minute and lean into the discomfort as human-beings who also happen to be business owners.
It’s time to educate ourselves and one another on what’s really going on (in Australia, the US and beyond) so that we can use our voice to influence change.
We have immense power. We all play a role. So from a business perspective, what can YOU do to have an impact and drive meaningful change? It’s a journey, but here are 11 ideas to help you take action beyond a social media ‘share’.
#1 Self-reflect
What you have ignored about people of colour? What assumptions may you have made? What beliefs do you have? What behaviours have you allowed? This might get uncomfortable. Ivirlei Brookes’ talk titled ‘white women who truly want to help: here’s how’ illuminated me on many things including in business - watch it on IGTV here (and below).
#2 Educate yourself
Change your narrative. If you don’t know what to say or do—you probably don’t know enough. After reflection, start with education. There are LOTS of insightful resources out there.
I love learning through podcasts and have been curating a podcast playlist on Spotify as I listen to challenging and thought-provoking topics. I’ve titled it “Presence with Racism” and it features Black and White voices from Australia and abroad - listen here.
Here’s another list of books, films and podcasts that will educate curated by NPR podcast Code Switch (it’s also a great podcast having fearless conversations about race). There are really so many resources out there, get Googling.
#3 Enrol in a course or webinar
Activist and writer Rachel Cargle offers some amazing resources (TED talks, lectures, memberships) and has a FREE 30 day #DoTheWork course to help us become better allies. It’s a great first small step on a long road. Visit @rachel.cargle on Instagram and sign up via link in bio. I’m doing this at the moment and slowly unravelling, slowly learning.
There are also many workshops and webinars available, especially while this is in the spotlight, so keep your eyes open and use this time wisely. I have signed up to ‘How To Be An Ally to Black People, Indigenous People and People of Color’ and will continue to add events like this to our monthly events guide right here on the blog.
#4 Have conversations
Even if you don’t know what to say, try. I know it can be scary or awkward. But how can we learn from our mistakes if we aren’t making them? So yes, I’m certain I (and you) will say the wrong thing at some point. And I am so aware that I will NEVER understand the feeling and experience, EVER. But we have to try.
Being actively anti-racist is new territory for most, but it will get easier to talk about and stand up with confidence in the future. This may mean bringing the hard conversations into your business, now.
“We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”
#5 Call racism out
Change starts at home, in our small inner circles. If you hear a racist remark, call it out. Say no, that’s not ok. A little discomfort for you will mean a lot for others.
Side note: If someone says “All lives matter” - this doesn’t help the cause. If we are trying to be ally’s for marginalised groups, we have to appreciate that right now it is about “Black lives matter”. This recognises the systemic injustice that exists for black and indigenous communities.
#6 Diversify your feed
I realised I followed a lot of white-run businesses on Instagram. I have since started following more amazing black artists, creators, business-women and activists. I’m enjoying learning from and seeing another perspective on activism and racism, but also on life and biz moving forward.
In Australia, start with @BlakBusiness an account that brings together info to make Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander history, politics, voices and creators accessible to all.
#7 Donate directly to causes
Money talks. Many families, especially those in black and indigenous communities, need financial support to help make bail or support their family to get the justice they need in the legal system.
#8 Attend a protest
Activism is action. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up. It can lift spirits, drive change, and send a message of hope to people experience injustice. It is free and easy to do. All you need is a little time - if you can piece together a powerful message on a poster, even better.
#9 Support people of colour & amplify their voices
Choose to buy from black and indigenous creatives. Hire black and indigenous people. Use your platform to share and amplify minority voices. Sign petitions.
#10 Respect indigenous culture
In Australia, we can show awareness and respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage with an 'Acknowledgement of Country'. This could be said before a meeting or event, or even on your email signature or website. It is a way to show respect to the relationship the traditional owners have with their land, and that is again, just a start. I have done this and found some guidelines and examples here to draw on.
Add important cultural dates to your calendar and consider sharing them on social media, or if you have a team, offering the option to take certain meaningful dates off as a holiday.
If you’re in Australia, reconsider Australia Day posts and instead acknowledge National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day, Indigenous Literacy Day (see a list of culturally significant dates here).
#11 Vote vote vote
It’s a no brainer. When elections roll around, vote for the change you want to see. This is how we will see more diverse representation and equality across the board.
In summary…
Anti-racism is a journey. If you genuinely interested in being an ally and in being anti-racist (which if you’ve made it this far I’m sure you are), these are just some things that I am doing. I invite you to join me. As a freelancer and business owner, you do have a circle of influence and the power to impact change. Let’s hold each other accountable and learn to be better humans, and businesses.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Further reading
I haven’t listed out petitions or organisations to support in this blog—there are plenty of resources and articles around doing that. But here are a few articles that can point you in the right direction and offer more depth and context as they did for me.
How to donate to and support the Black Lives Matter movement in Australia
10 things you should know about white privilege
How to build an actively anti-racist company