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Session Summary
As the world rushes to reopen, it’s important to not overlook how to do so sustainably, both for the planet and for us as human beings. This opening discussion gets to the heart of the matter by addressing the need for new systems and structures to be built around the ways of working. Using the lens of diversity in approach, radical transformation in the workplace is framed to rethink, reimagine, and reorganize what our world and life can be. The possibility of creating workplaces where all can thrive begins with worker empowerment and calling out White male privilege-protecting, oppressive schemes camouflaged as “company policy.”
As an example of “How To Get It Dead Ass Wrong,” the conversation cites Founder/CEO of Basecamp Jason Fried’s controversial and ultimately, dehumanizing company updates which include no societal or political discussions from the company account, no 360 reviews, no paternalistic benefits (which Fried defined as fitness, wellness, education allowances and a farmers market share), and a slew of other changes. The egregious notion that these life qualities are somehow paternal and can be granted (and taken away) from workers illustrates the gravity behind work culture, making the connection between organizations and community all the more important. As artist, activist, and educator Syrus Marcus Ware put it, “What a strange thing to think, all of the social benefits that we do that make us part of a community, because as organizations, wouldn't it be nice if we thought of these institutions as actually part of the communities that they're situated within?”
Recognizing levels of hierarchy in the workplace, emphasis is placed on shifting how we think about business through the development of new social relationships around these conversations as a means to combat capitalism and boost community for People of Color struggling to work in and around capitalist, racist organizations. In thinking outside of traditional business practices, Vanessa Roanhorse, co-founder of Native Women Lead and owner of Roanhorse Consulting, revealed how others believe alternative work practices are antithetical. However, staying true to the course of worker empowerment, Roanhorse steadily works to imagine “a future in which people have agency, have self determination, and also the ability to make choices on things we get to build and create.” We all want something better for our communities. Let’s start with the resurgence and restoration of values, and the enforcement of worker rights to ensure people in leadership positions are empowering everyone to have agency and access to new knowledge.