The time is NOW to stand up and speak up for justice!

If you run a business, how are you aligning with social justice action and/or philanthropy to BE THE CHANGE?

Since starting my business, there are many different ways that I have endeavored to be inclusive of non-white women in my community and support my anti-racist values. I have done these things quietly, behind the scenes, because I wasn’t doing them for recognition or accolades. But it’s time for me to share so other white entrepreneurs can also consider them.

IF YOU HAVE A PLATFORM, ENSURE YOU SHOWCASE DIVERSITY

In every collaboration I’ve initiated in my business, I make sure that women of colour are featured to share their wisdom, skills, and businesses. I also invite queer women, non-binary folx, and women from countries outside of North America, because for me, diversity means many things. If you have any kind of platform in your business (a podcast, Livestream show, guest teachers in your programs), then consider carefully who you feature.

WHEN I’M INVITED TO SPEAK AS PART OF A SUMMIT, I ALWAYS ASK THE HOST IF THEY ARE FEATURING A DIVERSE PANEL OF SPEAKERS

Before I commit to speak in a summit, I want to ensure that it’s NOT an all-white event. This is really important, and yet can still feel weird to ask! In my experience, the response has always been positive. I’m ready to recommend additional speakers they could invite that are women of colour.

KNOW WHAT CULTURAL APPROPRIATION IS

Especially if your business includes any kind of ritual or ceremony like mine does, you’ll want to know what cultural appropriation is so you don’t do it! Examine all your ritual tools, terms you use, and training you’ve received so you know the source, if any culture is being harmed by them, and if they are in integrity with your ancestry and Heart Knowing. Do your research. And once you know, be prepared to let anything go that you cannot continue to use in good conscience.

DONATE TO ORGANIZATIONS DOING THE WORK

Again, do your research well with this. Support the charities, non-profit organizations, bail funds, and legal assistance efforts that make a difference where you most want to help. Tell your customers and clients where you donate and why.

BECOME AWARE OF YOUR UNCONSCIOUS WHITE BIAS

If you believe that you are not a racist, great! That means you care enough to at least recognize that prejudice is wrong. I challenge you to consider that there are still many ways you are inadvertently perpetuating a white bias, meaning you unconsciously favour white partners, coaches, and clients in your business. Are you actively listening and learning from non-white sources?

EDUCATE YOURSELF SO YOU CAN UNPACK YOUR WHITE PRIVILEGE

There are now numerous books you can read and courses you can take to learn about how we’ve been indoctrinated in a societal system based on white supremacy. Where you can become aware of the privileges you benefit from. This is a difficult process which will bring up a lot of anger, grief, and even disgust. It must be done anyway.

I’m not perfect. This list is certainly not definitive. Even having received formal training in anti-racist social justice many years ago, I’m always still learning. Let us learn, together.

It’s vital for us to move past the fragility, move through the discomfort, get vulnerable, and face the pain.

Only then can we heal the shame of our whiteness, which keeps us being complicit in the systems of oppression.

Only then can we heal the pain that racism causes us all, and be able to have the conversations and take the actions that need to happen.

Do you have suggestions to add to this list of how your business supports racial justice? I’d love to hear — please share in the comments.