The pARTnership Movement’s latest tool-kit, on partnering with Employee Resource Groups, is a great introduction to working with these often under-discussed groups. Why should they matter to you, and how can you partner with them? Also, what are they?

An Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a network of likeminded individuals with similar interests or shared pasts and can usually be contacted though the company’s HR department. They’re often known as affinity groups, because they bring together people who have had a shared experience that influences their professional demeanor or outlook. ERGs vary from company to company, but they often act as clubs one might have seen in school: they organize outings, hold regular administrative meetings, present at company-wide gatherings, and engage the broader employee base through the lens of their niche. Veterans, LGBTQ individuals, women and disability-status persons are some common employee resource groups. These groups facilitate educational workshops, experiential opportunities, and host events for members.

Companies looking to meet CSR goals promote active ERG networks as smaller vehicles driving their community engagement and strategic philanthropy. ERGs are becoming more prevalent in the current corporate environment and demonstrate an opportunity for innovation, collaborative projects and community engagement. Here’s where you come in!

ERGs are often used as a resource internally; companies may ask a minority-status ERG to help them develop cultural competency training curriculum or team building exercises. Arts-based curriculums and team building exercises are wonderful additions to any corporate training. They can include poetry slams, improve exercises, and movement expression. Partnering with an ERG to help a company develop arts-based training opens doors for future partnerships. As arts organizations search for ways to engage corporate partners, connecting with ERGs demonstrates a viable way to expand their volunteer base, while building a mutually beneficial relationship. Because ERGs are frequently looking for community partners to expand their groups’ offerings, arts organizations can play a vital role by demonstrating the benefit of their programming to an ERG and the company as a whole.

Though there are many ways arts organizations can partner with ERGs, here are some key value propositions for arts organizations looking to reach out to these business communities.

Partnering with arts organizations:

1.       Improves Recruitment Efforts. Companies are always looking to diversify staff and win the best talent. Candidates may be drawn to a company whose ERG network benefits the community and reflects a personal affiliation of the applicant. Arts spaces make great venues for networking and recruitment events, and can showcase the company’s commitment to creative thinking. For example, a comedy theatre group performing vignettes on LGBTQA issues may invite a LBGTQA ERG to host a recruitment night, featuring performances from the show.

2.       Advances Strategic Goals. Companies looking to engage clientele in interesting ways can demonstrate their unique culture through theater nights or museum tours. These business practices can shape corporate image, demonstrating a connection to the community and innovative thinking. For example, a law firm may invite high level clients to a “First Look” event at an art gallery, showcasing a new exhibit.

3.       Fosters an Engaged and Connected Workforce. ERGs are constantly looking for ways to engage employees, provide team building exercises and boost morale. Arts organizations can develop curriculum for collaborative projects, offer arts programming in the workplace, or incentivize work performance by offering tickets to performances and events. For example, during Black History Month, a dance company focusing on choreography from the African Diaspora may reach out to Minority and African American ERGs to solicit partnership in their membership drive.

The tool-kit also offers Dos and Don’ts for arts groups looking to partner with ERGs, and provides some helpful first steps when looking to make this connection. To view this tool-kit, and other resources on arts and business partnerships, visit the pARTnerhsip Movement website.