Chapter 17
Advocating for Inclusion
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the difference between advocacy and activism
Exploring the need for advocacy
Detailing the role of an ally
Discovering how you can become an advocate
Inclusive leaders are also advocates for inclusion. This means they don’t just avoid negative or discriminatory behaviors, but they are proactive in their approach to ensuring that all team members experience an equitable, respectful, and safe work environment. For them, inclusion is a cause they speak about, support and defend, and influence policy and systemic changes. Not only do they advocate, but in some cases they act as allies and activists. I cover all three of these roles in this chapter, but I primarily discuss advocacy as a cause and as a leadership responsibility. I describe why it is more crucial today than ever, and explore how the role of an advocate is different from that of an ally or as an activist. Lastly, I list a number of ways that all leaders can advocate for the talent that needs it the most.