Category: Equity Work

While this self-assessment is being completed during this year’s annual review process, it is not being considered a part of annual performance reviews. We assume and embrace the fact that staff have varying levels of skill and experience with racial equity issues. Setting your own benchmark of where you think you’re “starting out” in this multi-year process is important to track your own progress and to help inform where organizational trainings should be targeted. It is important to remember that our internal work here at Demos is a microcosm of the work the country needs to do, and so we will best serve our mission by being honest about our starting points and ambitious about our ability to deepen and grow. 

Racial Equity Assessment Questions

Competency 1:  Equity Analysis

You clearly and consistently articulate a sophisticated understanding of racial equity and structural racism and the centrality of this analysis to the work we do and how we operate at Demos. You integrate that knowledge into work projects and interactions by addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class and other group identities within the context of your job responsibilities and projects.

1. How have you been fulfilling this competency? Please provide concrete examples.
2. Has fulfilling this competency has been challenging for you? If so, please explain how.
3. What action steps do you plan to take over the next year to increase your proficiency in this competency? Please be specific.

Competency 2: Self-Awareness

You demonstrate awareness of multiple group identities and their attendant dynamics and consistently bring a high level of self-awareness, empathy, and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions.

1. How have you been fulfilling this competency? Please provide concrete examples.
2. Has fulfilling this competency has been challenging for you? If so, please explain how.
3. What action steps do you plan to take over the next year to increase your proficiency in this competency? Please be specific.

Competency: Direct Communication

You communicate clearly and directly with colleagues, working intentionally to match intent and impact in interactions, and being proactive to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings, especially across difference. You consistently give both positive and developmental feedback to support learning, excellence, and personal growth.

1. How have you been fulfilling this competency? Please provide concrete examples.
2. Has fulfilling this competency has been challenging for you? If so, please explain how.
3. What action steps do you plan to take over the next year to increase your proficiency in this competency? Please be specific.

Competency: Authentic Relationships

You proactively build and sustain robust, authentic, productive working relationships with colleagues across race and other group identities, including Demos staff and external partners.

1. How have you been fulfilling this competency? Please provide concrete examples.
2. Has fulfilling this competency has been challenging for you? If so, please explain how.
3. What action steps do you plan to take over the next year to increase your proficiency in this competency? Please be specific.