Agency spotlight: Employment security department

Highlighting employee resource groups across the state –Employment Security Department Black Employee Inclusion Networking Group (BEING)

Provided by BEING Chair, Tennille Johnson
Learning and growing as a leader, a black woman leader, feeling a sense of belonging and getting to support and be supported by staff across the Agency..... It is my why,” said BEING Chair, Tennille Johnson. “The ERG BEING has given me that place.” 

Did you know that several agencies are increasing the culture of belonging and expanding equity amongst their agency with employee resource groups? Employment Security Department (ESD) is an agency leading the way in equity and creating ERGs for state employees to connect with.  Along with five other ERGs, ESD has an ERG that is focused on supporting their black employees.

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BEING stands for Black Employee Inclusion Networking Group and is open to all ESD employees who support our goals. 

ESD began collaborating and developing this group to address the social justice issues that continue to plague us as minorities. ESD’s black employees want to have a voice and to be a part of the change required to provide equality and true inclusion within their agency and communities.

This group is focused on supporting people of color and their professional development. BEING is focused on supporting Blacks and African Americans.

BEING Purpose Statement
To research and recommend solutions to issues affecting Black employees within ESD.
To provide a voice and equitable space for Black employees within ESD to thrive and be our authentic selves.
 
BEING goals are to:

• Educate – Identify and address communication and other professional norms that deny access to Black employees and customers.
• Celebrate – Honor Black employees and customers as they are, respect their differences, and learn from their experiences.
• Outreach – Reach out to Black employees and Black advocacy groups in our state and communities.
• Increase visibility – Magnify contributions and visibility of Black employees and provide an internal support system.
• Provide opportunity – Provide opportunities for Black employees to develop leadership skills and broaden their professional networks.
• Policy and procedures – Eliminate structural bias in ESD policies and procedures that impact Black employees, customers and applicants.

To learn more about BEING, contact [email protected]