Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 26If You See Something, Say Something

“I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself. To undermine a man's self-respect is a sin.”

—Antoine de Saint-Exupery

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You've probably heard the phrase “If you see something, say something.” It was developed by the Department of Homeland Security in 2010, and serves to encourage the public to protect our country. While the phrase was created to raise our awareness of the signs of terrorism and terrorist-related acts, it also serves to show the importance of reporting actions and behaviors that cause concern. When we use this motto in the workplace, we can help protect co-workers from sexist and racists acts, discrimination, and harassment.

There are many who, if asked, would say they are supporters and allies in the fight for equality. They will claim to not be racist, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic and that it's impossible for them to express discriminatory beliefs because they don't have them. And while that mindset is a starting point, folks may mistakenly believe that because they are not intentionally perpetuating inequality in the workplace that they are in fact part of the solution. The problem with that position is that it is not active. It's just a mindset. Driving change requires action—actively addressing and challenging discriminatory acts and systems. That is why it is imperative that we be willing ...