Diversity: How You Can Help Inspire Change

Fostering an environment in which everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and valued continues to be a priority for our organization.

That’s why we have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). To help you learn more about our ERGs and how you can get involved, check out the questions and answers below.

Q. What are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)?

An ERG is a collection of employees brought together to share their passion for diversity and inclusion and help the organization achieve its goals.

Each ERG has a different focus and works together and with the Inclusion Council—their governing body—to help us achieve our goals. ERGs don't replace other diversity efforts; they are an expansion of all the wonderful work that's already in progress.

Q. What ERGs does our organization have?

Our ERGs and their missions are listed below:

• Disability Advocates ERG – To ensure a comfortable, safe and accessible working environment for our employees with disabilities.
• LGBTQ+ Allies ERG – To allow employees across the organization an opportunity to leverage their passion and talent to influence recruiting, HR services, support and education to staff and patients while integrating our Diversity & Inclusion values into our community through events and education support.
• Multi-Cultural ERG – To create a working environment that welcomes, uplifts, embraces and values all of our employees, thereby allowing us to provide the best care for the communities we serve.
• Veterans ERG – To continue to foster a welcoming and supporting environment for veterans.
• Women Professionals ERG –​​​​​​​To support the professional development of existing and future leaders by making current resources and opportunities more available.

Q. What type of work do ERGs do?

With guidance from the Inclusion Council and the ERG Charter document, the ERGs can determine their own objectives. A few potential objectives are listed below:

• Assist in driving organizational change while helping ERG members develop their skills
• Support Carilion’s efforts to attract and retain the best talent
• Promote and develop diverse leadership at all levels in the organization
• Help Carilion foster and sustain a diverse and inclusive work environment

Q. How can I become involved in an ERG?

All Carilion employees are welcome to apply to any of the ERGs.

Submit an ERG application for the ERG you are most passionate about! Your direct leader will then receive an email from blapgar@carilionclinic.org with the subject line New ERG Application Submission, notifying them of your application submission.

The Inclusion Council will determine ERG membership based on criteria met, spaces available on each ERG and timing of your application.

Q. Can I apply for membership on any ERG?

Yes! Feel free to apply to be part of a group that you have a passion for, because everyone is welcome! For example, you don't have to be a veteran to be a member of the Veteran BRG, you just need a passion for helping veterans, and you don't have to be a woman to join the Women Professionals BRG, you just need to be committed to the success of women professionals.

Q. Who can become an ERG member?

Be sure to review the criteria below before applying for ERG membership:

• Membership is open to all Carilion Clinic employees, including remote and non-Roanoke based employees.
• Members must have their manager’s approval to participate.
• Members must be available for regular, virtual group meetings.
• Members cannot have any active Disciplinary Actions or Performance Improvement Plans.
• Membership is voluntary.
• Members must attend ERG meetings–as determined by ERG leadership.
• Members must support the organization’s business needs and be an advocate for the diversity & inclusion process.
• Members should maintain open minds.
• Members must maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
• ERGs must be inclusive and may not limit participation to any particular race, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, ethnicity or other protected classification.

Q. What can I expect as an ERG member?

As an ERG member, you will be part of an employee group where you will meet other employees who share your interests and have a passion for diversity and inclusion. You may also have opportunities for:

• Professional development
• Showcasing your skills, talents and passions
• Recognition
• Mentoring
• Networking
• Positively impacting the business through business development
• Advocating for change

ERGs meet virtually each month. Time commitment depends upon the month and projects. In most cases, you may only spend an hour or two a month attending virtual ERG meetings and helping with ERG planning and projects.

For more information and an ERG application, go to the Diversity & Inclusion hub on Inside Carilion.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

• Dr. NL Bishop - nlbishop@carilionclinic.org
• Briana Apgar - blapgar@carilionclinic.org