The Stages of Belonging: Understanding Organizational Transformation
Have you been feeling frustrated lately with the speed of change in your organization? You're not alone. Many of us in the outdoor and conservation sector are striving to create more inclusive environments, but at times, it's challenging to imagine what a transformed organization would look like.
We have had a lot of folks reach out to DEI Outdoors asking - What comes next? What does change look like? In response, we have created a visualization tool called the "Stages of Belonging in the Outdoors" to assist organizations in evaluating their current state and planning for meaningful change. It starts with creating awareness and progresses towards becoming a model of empowerment and inclusivity.
This guide outlines five key stages:
Foundational - Building Awareness: At this stage, diversity is minimal, and the organization may be unaware of the benefits of inclusivity.
Inclusive - Embracing Diversity & Accessibility: The organization recognizes the importance of diversity but may struggle with retention and systemic barriers.
Equitable - Advancing Towards Justice: Focus shifts to ensuring fairness and equal opportunities, addressing systemic barriers.
Belonging - Fostering Connection and Community: The organization creates a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Empowered - A Transformed Organization: Diverse voices drive initiatives, and the organization becomes a model for inclusivity in the industry.
We hope that you can use this tool as a resource to truly visualize the steps your organization can take to drive change and continue progressing. You can share it with your leadership team or board of directors to illustrate that while awareness is a crucial first step, it's not the end goal. Use this tool to spark conversations, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate that there's still progress to be made, regardless of where your organization currently stands.
The truth is, this journey never really ends. There's always room for growth and continued learning. Even organizations at the "Empowered" stage must continue to grow, adapt, and reassess their practices. Some of us may not even be on the mountain yet – we're still packing our bags and getting our tools ready. And that's okay.
Each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities. By identifying where your organization stands, you can better target your efforts and measure progress. Whether you're tackling unconscious bias, implementing equitable hiring practices, or fostering a sense of belonging among all team members, this guide provides a roadmap for sustainable change.
Remember, transformation doesn't happen overnight. It requires commitment, introspection, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It involves not just changing policies and procedures but also shifting organizational culture and individual mindsets.
This process can be uncomfortable at times, but it's essential for creating truly inclusive and empowering environments. But with persistence and the right tools, every organization can create an environment where all individuals truly belong and thrive.