The Token: Common Sense Ideas for Increasing Diversity in Your Organization

MEET THE NEW BLACK FRIEND YOU NEVER HAD An excellent resource for all those who are committed to equity. - PAUL KIVEL, author, Uprooting Racism This is the book that is going to save you from theory and guilt trips. - AKILAH S. RICHARDS, author, Raising Free People COMMUNITY, BUSINESS, and organization leaders often ask: How do I get diversity in my group? The thing is, the work is real, but it's a minefield out there. With a blunt style that pulls no punches, your new token Black friend, Crystal Byrd Farmer, acts as the bridge between majority white organizations and "diverse" people across identities of race, LGBTQ, socioeconomic status, and disability. Crystal tells you how it is, calling you out on tokenism, while extending a helping hand. Coverage includes: What marginalized people experience and what they need to succeed Doing "The Work" - how to have deep conversations with your membership about the reality of bias, privilege, and microaggressions Choosing appropriate meeting locations and establishing ground rules Practical exercises and discussion questions and when to bring in outside help Building support within your organization and talking to resistant friends. This provocative, humorous, and accessible guide is for all people leading progressive organizations who acknowledge the need for diversity but don't know where to start. Honest and unfiltered-a treasure trove of tools, stories, and resources. - JOE COLE, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies Not sure what The Work is? Don't worry, Crystal Byrd Farmer is here to help. - CYNTHIA TINA, Co-Director, Foundation for Intentional CommunityCRYSTAL BYRD FARMER is an engineer turned educator, organizer, and speaker who focuses on cohousing, Black, and polyamorous communities. She lives in Gastonia, NC.