There are lots of ways members of employee resource groups (ERGs) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leaders can support employees and workers in learning more about the COVID-19 vaccines. Here are a few ideas you can bring back to your group.
Share information
- Help connect people with trusted, fact-based information and encourage them to speak with their doctor if they have further questions. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know the answer to a question. Check healthaction.org/resources#ERG for a full set of resources, starting here:
- Insights for specific communities
- Conversation guide for ERG and DEI leaders
Be the “ears to the ground”
- Listen for rumors and misinformation—some of these are being spread intentionally, especially on social media. If people share concerns or make false claims, provide science-backed information to correct myths. Ask where they heard the rumor and encourage them to fact check it with their doctor, or on GetVaccineAnswers.org or VaccineFinder.org.
- Listen and raise specific needs and concerns with company leadership. Help them understand that people have genuine apprehension, with valid reasons.
Be a storyteller
- If you are vaccinated, share your story if you’re comfortable. Why did you decide to get vaccinated? What was it like? Where did you go to get the vaccine?
- Invite members of your group who are comfortable to share their vaccination experience. They could do this informally among their networks, at a team meeting, through social media, through your ERG or informal employee network, or through company channels such as an email newsletter.
Host trusted guest speakers
- Invite an outside speaker such as a doctor or trusted community leader. This tip sheet will help you find the right person.
- If you can’t bring in a speaker, share a video featuring doctors or other leaders who represent and are trusted by your ERG or informal employee network. Here are a few to get you started:
- The Conversation, a series of videos from Black healthcare providers, created by the Black Coalition Against COVID.
- This video from the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions features a variety of experts, including some Spanish language content.
Find strength in numbers
- Create a pledge for your group to take, a promise to each other to learn more and to get vaccinated.
- Help people schedule their vaccine appointment, and/or coordinate groups to visit vaccine clinics.
Help increase access in your communities
- Some businesses are donating their talents and resources to support vaccine efforts in local communities. If your company is, your ERG or informal employee network can volunteer if you like.
- You can explore ways to volunteer at vaccination clinics or help in other ways. Your local public health department or nonprofits in your community would be good places to explore.
Find more ideas for supporting community vaccination efforts here.
