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Seeing a lot of instances of white women feeling uneasy about taking on visible roles in D&I efforts. While the optics are Not Great, we all know that D&I is already an exhausting endeavor for those that believe in pushing the needle. IT'S WORK! Because of that fact,...
I believe white women *must* take on the work of dismantling these stifling and harmful environments. Problem is, we too often think we can judge the best path forward. *cough #GDIStrike cough* So how do we WW rebalance? Here's how I've shifted in the years:
I have the honor of working closely with wonderful leaders in the D&I space and have established myself as someone that'll happily knock down the walls. The difference is, instead of leaning on my own impulses, I check my moves with a group to make sure I don't create a mess.
We all need to know our potential. I am a tornado-like person that can either shake shit up for good or wreak havoc in unintended ways. I've learned (through guidance) how to channel this energy and reduce my harm. It's a constant practice and I intend to keep working on it.
Beyond our potential, WW have to mind our privileges and opportunities. I know I can speak up or poke things that'll result in different consequences than for someone else. I do not want to waste that reality by worrying about WW optics. I'll check myself, get the nod, and go.
Trust is earned. I've accepted that everything I do will be met with distrust until my consistency is clear. I don't deserve benefit of doubt! I'm not fueled by it, either. What I am confident about is my ability to rebound and keep going. Let my actions tell my story.
One major thing: *I assume I'm missing something.* The moment WW think we "understand" all these shared experiences is the moment we will regress back into causing harm. We need to cut out this idea we "get it" across the board due to being women. Nope nope nope.
What I love about my team is that I can be my authentic, animated self among those that know what I bring to the table. *And they value it.* They know I'm ready and willing to run but I'll hold up my shitshow ways until we all have a strategy. This is the best of all worlds, imo.
Another important tidbit: my team knows I'll take on the duty of talking "-isms 101" with people, gather resources, or whatever it takes to reduce the burden of constant explanation in these spaces. It's the literal least I can do. White folks, collect your white folks :)
To wrap up, WW being offered a spot in D&I has a lot of meanings and potential. Don't skip it. It's our duty to Do The Work, absorb the bullshit, but without taking up too much space. Work with a team, strike that balance, build the strategy, and be the tornado for good. 
