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For those who don't know, Core Groups are groups of approximately 4-8
people who commit to meeting one day (or a half day) a month to work
towards reducing their own assumptions based on racism, sexism, and
homphobia (the "core" issues) and how those assumptions play
themeselves out in the workplace. The concept is that if a person
can get a handle on those three core issues, the other prejudices will
take a lot less effort to reduce/eliminate (ableism, ageism, veteran
status, and prejudices around other differences).
The group works from the philosophy that the "experts are in the
room." Practically speaking, this means that everyone is encouraged
to speak from their own experiences and to listen to others so as to
"walk in their shoes." The reason why Core Groups came into existance
is because the creators felt that confronting, reducing, and
eliminating personal prejudices needs to be be done with others, needs
to be done in a small group, and needs to be done in an environment
where all participants feel "safe" enough to speak what is really on
their minds and in their hearts.
Core Groups were originally created to address EEO issues, and the
Valuing Differences program grew directly out of the work done in the
first formed Core Groups. (From what I have read/heard, Barbara
Walker is credited with the creation of Core Groups and the creation
of the Valuing Differences program.)
I have just joined a Core Group, so I can't yet speak from personal
experience. However, many people who commit to doing serious work in
their Core Groups tell me that the meetings are some of the most
"important" and "satisfying" work they do at Digital. It can be
tense, emotional, and, at times, difficult, but, for the people who put
a lot of effort into the work, I have heard that the rewards of
personal growth are tremendous.
--Gerry
For more information regarding Core Groups, you can contact one of the
Corporate Valuing Differences Managers. Two names that come to mind
are Donna Taylor and Tom Couming. There is another man named Robert
who is a third manager, but I cannot remember his last name. Donna
and Tom can point you to Core Groups that are forming if you are
interested.
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I forgot to mention that Core Group work and Valuing Differences work
is a valid part of Digital work. I have been told that the word
around the corporation is that a person should be able to spend up to
10% of his/her work on CG/VoD work. However, people need to negotiate
with their managers ahead of time regarding the amount of time the
CG\VoD work will take away from other work. Participation in a Core
Group takes 1/2 to 1 day a month, which doesn't seem like much to me
(and is nowhere near 10% of the work-month).
I report the amount of time I spend and the CG/VoD work I do in my
reviews. My manager is very supportive of the work I do as long as I
get my manuals written. :-)
--Gerry
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| > -< There are some of us on the West Coast >-
>
> Are there any Core Groups outside of the East Coast, specifically
> in the Santa Clara, Cupertino, or Mountain View area?
My best guess is that yes, there are Core Groups out west (and
everywhere else in the United States). I'm not sure how you could
hook up with them. If you contact Donna Taylor or Tom Couming, they
could put you in contact with a local Valuing Differences manager who
would know more about local groups that you could join. (I've met
both Donna and Tom, and they are _very_ friendly people; I wouldn't
feel bashful about contacting them.)
--Gerry
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