Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are guiding principles of corporate social responsibility and the triple-bottom-line, and for 30 years VBSR has worked to advance these principles through organizational change and public policy. We also recognize that when it comes to anti-racism, VBSR’s long journey of self-inquiry, advocacy, and structural change is just beginning.
The following resources are intended to support VBSR members and the Vermont business community in their efforts to dismantle systems of white supremacy and grow Vermont’s economy through justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Please contact Membership Manager, Toby Aronson (tobya@vbsr.org) if you have suggestions for resources to add.
“As a business leader, you have incredible influence, which is why it’s so important you be leaders in your community on racial equity. This is your moment to act.”
– Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity, State of Vermont
VBSR Anti-Racism Virtual Education
VBSR offers virtual educational programming on JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) to:
- Understand systemic racism and the implicit biases we carry
- Recognize inequities that continue to persist in Vermont
- Form authentic partnerships and collaborations that support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Embody diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of our work
Action Steps for Supporting Anti-Racism
- Expand your awareness through articles, books, podcasts, and documentaries by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color that highlight their experiences with systemic racism.
- Provide staff with paid time to support self-education
- Consider forming an employee-led task force and/or book/discussion group on anti-racism to support the uncomfortable process of unlearning.
- Reference VBSR’s Book Group Circle Guidelines for “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad for circle group guidelines, agenda & facilitation tips.
- Book, article, podcast and film recommendations can be found at B Corporation’s Anti-Racism Resourcesor Dismantle Collective’s White Allyship 101: Resources to Get to Work
- Support BIPOC-owned Vermont businesses
- Donate to local & national organizations working to dismantle system racism
- Develop an anti-racist plan in collaboration with a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professional (listed below) and invest in this work in your organization.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professionals in the VBSR Network
- Abundant Sun
- CQ Strategies
- Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity
- Dawn M Ellis & Associates
- Peace & Justice Center of Vermont
- TC Consulting
- Sarika Tandon
*In the mission of working towards equity, it is important to monetarily compensate BIPOC facilitators and educators for this work.
Anti-Racism Resources for Employers
- B Corporation’s Anti-Racism Resources
- Dismantle Collective’s White Allyship 101: Resources to Get to Work
- Vermont Racial Equity Advisory Panel and Executive Director of Racial Equity
- VBSR’s Finding & Cultivating New Talent Resources
- VBSR’s Inclusivity Resources
- Vermont Commission on Women’s Racial Justice Organizations List
Organizations Supporting Anti-Racism in Vermont
- ACLU – Vermont
- Association of Africans Living in Vermont
- Black Lives Matter of Greater Burlington
- The Black Perspective
- Clemmons Family Farm
- Champlain Area NAACP
- JAG Productions
- Justice for All
- Maquam Bay of Missisquoi (MBM) Abenaki Council
- Racial Equity Alliance of Lamoille
- Rokeby Museum
- The Root Social Justice Center
- Rutland Area NAACP
- Showing Up for Racial Justice – Vermont Chapters
- Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont
- UVM Center for Cultural Pluralism
- Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
- Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity
- Vermont Professionals of Color Network
- Vermont Racial Justice Alliance
- Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance
