DEI Discussion Groups
3 min read

Facilitating DEI-related work among teammates using discussion groups or book clubs

Using a discussion group (sometimes referred to as a “book club”) can help teams explore and unpack DEI-related resources.

DEI discussion groups (sometimes referred to as “book clubs”) prompt teams to read or review a DEI-related resource (e.g., articles, books, podcasts, short videos) and discuss their reactions, personal experiences, and insights in service of shared learning. These groups can look different between schools and systems but have a strong track record as an effective platform for engaging staff.

Use this in order to…

  • Spark conversation and dialogue about DEI and other specific topics affecting the virtual environment.

  • Explore and create a shared understanding and language of DEI terms and concepts.

  • Apply insights to uncover and clarify current challenges.

  • Build trust and deepen relationships.

“DEI discussion groups have created a safe space for our team to explore, discuss, and learn, creating the essential shared vocabulary to engage in deeper DEI work.” – Stephen Pham, Former Partner at The Learning Accelerator

Key Components

  • Identify the goals of the discussion group. These details will dictate the setup of the group and who is involved.

  • Define the composition and size of the group. Sometimes groups are kept small (5-7 members), while in other cases, the group may be larger (15+) to accommodate larger subteams or areas of focus among staff.

  • Identify what the group will read based on the pre-identified goals. The amount of reading will likely dictate whether the group meets once to discuss the identified content or several times to discuss longer resources.

Considerations for Remote Implementation

  • Use a video communications platform. Due to the personal nature of the content, it’s important to use a video platform (e.g., Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype) so that you can see your group’s facial expressions and other nonverbal cues. Each participant should have a camera and turn on their video if possible.

  • Break into small groups. Discussions over video chat with more than five participants can be difficult when you’re working to ensure equitable participation. Utilize smaller breakout groups to encourage participation and deeper conversation.

The Remote DEI Collective was a collaborative group led by The Learning Accelerator (TLA), and brought together participants from remote organizations to address the challenges of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in remote environments. This strategy has been adapted from the Remote DEI Collective’s toolkit, which was built to offer resources to improve remote culture and practices, in order to better suit leaders and educators working for schools that offer virtual and hybrid learning options to students.

Scroll to Top