This Work Still Matters

Hello Trailblazers & Changemakers,

Simply put: there’s a lot going on in our world. Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain under attack by the powers that be, making things significantly harder for those of us who remain committed to creating positive change in our workplaces. But it’s in times like these that we must remind ourselves why we started this work in the first place—and why more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces are still worth fighting for.

What’s Happening in the World of DEI Right Now

This is, unfortunately, not an exhaustive list, but here are a few recent events to be aware of:

• National parks have been ordered to purge DEI-related merchandise.
  The U.S. Department of the Interior has directed National Park Service gift shops, bookstores, and concessions to remove books and retail items that “run afoul” of new federal guidance—a move critics call censorship of history and educational content.

• Journalists of color have been laid off in droves amid broader DEI rollbacks.
  Journalists of color at major media outlets like CBS, NBC, and Condé Nast have reported disproportionate layoffs this year, some tied to corporate restructuring and broader anti-DEI pressures following national policy shifts aimed at dismantling diversity initiatives.

• Higher education laws continue to target DEI.
  Students pursuing higher education continue to be affected by the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruling, with the Trump administration beginning to crack down on “DEI-themed” college admissions essays.

At a time when seemingly every corner of American life is being affected by anti-DEI sentiments and policies, it’s critical to stay abreast of what’s happening in the public sphere.

Acknowledge the heaviness, the anger, and the disillusionment—and take care of yourself along the way.
Then, when you’re ready, reground in your purpose.

What to Do When the Headlines Feel Heavy

Remember: while “DEI” as a label might be under pressure, the problems it was meant to solve haven’t gone anywhere. Employees are still looking for connection, representation, access, and equity. Business leaders are still struggling to attract and retain diverse talent. And ERGs remain one of the most powerful, underleveraged engines for driving culture change from the inside.

Here are three ways to move through the noise without losing momentum:

1. Reframe your value without watering it down.
Even if “DEI” is falling out of favor, the core needs still exist: psychological safety, equitable growth, inclusive leadership, and more. Translate your work into terms decision-makers care about (retention, productivity, culture risk, engagement) and be ready to connect the dots.

2. Center community care in your 2026 plans.
Your members may be feeling tired, discouraged, or disillusioned. Make space for that. Use upcoming programming to reset and support—think mental health partnerships, peer mentorship circles, or even a January reflection session to close the loop on what, for many, was a heavy year.

3. Build resilience into your ERG structure.
Leadership transitions, budget cuts, and shifting priorities are more likely in times like these. Review your playbooks and documentation: do you have a clear ERG charter, defined roles and responsibilities, and an onboarding process? Strength creates staying power, and documentation makes things easier for everyone.

An Invitation to Reflect

Sometimes the best way to remind yourself that your work still matters is to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished. I invite you to ask yourself:

• What’s a moment this year when your ERG made someone feel truly seen, supported, or included?

• What initiative, event, or conversation sparked real change—big or small?

• What skill, insight, or confidence have you gained through your ERG work this year?

Chances are, you’ve already accomplished more than you think. Don’t lose sight of that.

Stay in the room. Stay in the work.
We’re building something that matters—and something that lasts.

Onward and upward,

Dumebi

If you're interested in exploring how Chezie can enhance your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), I invite you to schedule a demo. We also offer a wealth of resources to support your ERG initiatives:

• ERG Toolkit: Comprehensive guides and templates to help you establish and manage effective ERGs.

• Blue Pages: A collection of articles and thought pieces on best practices for ERGs.

• ERG Leaders Community: Join discussions with ERG and DEI leaders to share experiences and strategies.

Lastly, connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.