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Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace

Ashley Rivenbark (Course Advisor), Andrea Tatum (Course Instructor), Xochitl Ledesma (Course Advisor), Dr. Terrence Underwood (Course Instructor), Julie Friedberg (Course Instructor), Sunita Mahtani (Course Instructor), Dnika Travis, PhD (Course Advisor), Julie Nugent (Course Advisor), Tenika Francis (Course Instructor), Corin Ramos, PhD (Course Advisor), Joy Ohm (Course Advisor), Krista Brookman (Course Advisor), and Heather Foust-Cummings, PhD (Course Advisor)

A long history of systemic discrimination, unfair policies, mistreatment, and bias against marginalized racial and ethnic groups have led to a global reckoning on race and racism in countries across the globe. Drawing on research and practitioner insights, we have come together to share personal stories and knowledge to bring to life inclusion frameworks and concepts. Through this course, you will explore the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and “Emotional Tax” and their impact on marginalized racial and ethnic groups in and outside of work. Emotional Tax—being on guard to protect against bias because of race, ethnicity, and gender and experiencing the associated effects on well-being and ability to thrive at work—is often acutely painful. Develop inclusive leadership skills, foundational insights, points of self-reflection, and an action plan to take initial steps to address exclusion and unfair treatment in the workplace and beyond.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Begin reflecting on aspects of your identity, including your racial and ethnic identity, and the lived experiences you bring to work.
Explore what anti-racism and intersectionality mean and how they play a role in workplaces and society.

Understand what emotional tax is, and its impact on marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
Identify actions you can take to address racial inequities in your workplace and community.

Begin reflecting on aspects of your identity, including your racial and ethnic identity, and the lived experiences you bring to work.
Explore what anti-racism and intersectionality mean and how they play a role in workplaces and society.
Understand what emotional tax is, and its impact on marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
Identify actions you can take to address racial inequities in your workplace and community.

Syllabus

Part 1: Introduction to Facing Racism in the Workplace / Exploring our Identities

Begin reflecting on the intersecting aspects of your identity, including your racial and ethnic identity, and the lived experiences you bring to work.

Part 2: Why Does Anti-Racism Matter / Introducing the Concepts

Review the key concepts of racism, structural racism, and microagressions, and understand why anti-racism matters and the role it plays in workplaces and society.

Part 3: Understanding Emotional Tax: Research and Experiences

Learn about Emotional Tax and its associated effects on health and well-being.

Part 4: Anti-Racism through Empathy and Allyship / Action Planning

Explore Catalyst's "Listen-Learn-Link Up-Lead" framework and how practicing inclusive behaviors creates opportunities to feel valued and respected. Identify actions you can take to address racial inequities in your workplace and community through fostering empathy and allyship.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of racism and intersectionality on marginalized racial and ethnic groups

Develops cultural awareness and critical thinking skills related to race

Features experienced instructors from various fields, including Andrea Tatum, Dr. Terrence Underwood, and Tenika Francis

Introduces attendees to the concept of Emotional Tax and its effects

Offers actionable steps to address racial inequities in the workplace

Designed to help attendees build inclusive leadership skills and foster allyship

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace with these activities:

Review the Concepts of Intersectionality

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Intersectionality is a critical framework for understanding how different forms of discrimination and oppression overlap and intersect. Reviewing the concepts of intersectionality will help you to develop a more nuanced understanding of racial inequality.

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Read articles and watch videos about intersectionality.
Attend a workshop or training on intersectionality.

Join a Peer Support Group

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Participating in a peer support group can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences, learn from others, and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with racism and discrimination.

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Search for peer support groups in your area.
Attend a few meetings to find a group that fits your needs.
Participate in discussions and share your experiences.

Learn about Implicit Bias

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Understanding implicit bias is essential for recognizing and challenging our own biases and creating a more equitable workplace.

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Take an implicit bias test.
Read articles and watch videos about implicit bias.
Attend a workshop on implicit bias.

Five other activities

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Review 'Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change' by Tema Okun

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This book provides insights into the history and impact of racism and offers practical tools for challenging and dismantling racist systems and behaviors.

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Complete the reflection exercises and prompts.
Discuss the book's concepts with a friend, colleague, or mentor.

Develop an Anti-Racism Action Plan

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An anti-racism action plan is a roadmap for creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace. Developing this plan will help you to identify and implement specific actions to address racial inequities.

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Gather data on the racial climate in your workplace.
Identify areas for improvement.
Develop specific goals and objectives.

Host a 'Pizza and Perspectives' Event

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Hosting a 'Pizza and Perspectives' event can help to foster open dialogue and build bridges between different communities.

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Partner with a local community organization.
Invite a diverse group of people to participate.
Facilitate a discussion on a topic related to race and racism.

Develop an Inclusive Communication Plan

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Creating a clear plan for inclusive communication in the workplace will help you to foster a more respectful and welcoming environment for all employees.

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Identify key stakeholders and their communication needs.
Establish guidelines for respectful and inclusive language.
Develop strategies for addressing microaggressions and bias.

Practice Active Listening

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Active listening is a critical skill for fostering understanding and building relationships. By practicing active listening, you can improve your ability to listen attentively, understand different perspectives, and respond with empathy.

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Listen attentively to a conversation.
Summarise what you have heard.
Ask clarifying questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you are responsible for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Diversity and Inclusion Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you are responsible for creating a positive and productive work environment for all employees. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Human Resources Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.

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Employee Relations Manager

As an Employee Relations Manager, you are responsible for resolving employee disputes and complaints. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Employee Relations Managers who are working to foster a more inclusive workplace for people of color.

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Equity and Inclusion Specialist

As an Equity and Inclusion Specialist, you are responsible for developing and implementing programs to promote equity and inclusion within organizations. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within organizations. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Equity and Inclusion Specialists who are working to create more inclusive workplaces for people of color.

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Organization Development Consultant

As an Organization Development Consultant, you are responsible for helping organizations to improve their effectiveness. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within organizations. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Organization Development Consultants who are working to create more inclusive workplaces for people of color.

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Diversity Recruiter

As a Diversity Recruiter, you are responsible for attracting and hiring a diverse workforce. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Diversity Recruiters who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you are responsible for researching and analyzing public policy issues. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within public policy. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Policy Analysts who are working to create more just and equitable policies for all.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you are responsible for mobilizing communities to address social issues. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within communities. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Community Organizers who are working to create more just and equitable communities for all.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you are responsible for leading and managing a nonprofit organization. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Nonprofit Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.

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Social Justice Advocate

As a Social Justice Advocate, you are responsible for promoting social justice and equality for all. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within society. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Social Justice Advocates who are working to create a more just and equitable world for all.

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Educator

As an Educator, you are responsible for teaching students about the world around them. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the education system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact students from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Educators who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you are responsible for reporting on the news and informing the public. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the media. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Journalists who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.

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Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you are responsible for representing clients in legal matters. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the legal system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Lawyers who are working to create a more just and equitable legal system for all.

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Healthcare Professional

As a Healthcare Professional, you are responsible for providing care to patients. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the healthcare system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact patients from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Healthcare Professionals who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.

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Business Owner

As a Business Owner, you are responsible for making decisions that affect your employees, customers, and community. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your business. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Business Owners who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment for all.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace.

Malcolm Lives

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An award-winning book that presents a compelling and timely view of navigating racism and antiracism. An essential resource for anyone who seeks to understand and dismantle the systems of racism in their personal lives and communities.

Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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