Are you passionate about exploring new perspectives and engaging in meaningful conversations? Do you find yourself yearning for a space where learning and connection go hand in hand, especially on topics that truly matter? If so, we have just the place for you!
Welcome to the 2024 Engineer Inclusion Reading Community, where diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice are not just topics — they are pathways to understanding and growth. Our community is more than a reading group; it’s a vibrant network of curious minds and compassionate hearts keen to delve into important conversations that shape our world.
Every few months or so, we’ll dive into a carefully selected book that challenges, enlightens, and inspires. These aren’t just titles on a reading list; they’re beacons guiding us toward greater understanding and actionable insights. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or newly embarking on your DEI journey, your voice and perspective are invaluable to our collective learning.
In this community, we’re not just sharing thoughts on pages; we’re building connections that could lead to exciting opportunities, both professionally and personally. It’s a chance to be part of a network that values knowledge, inclusivity, and the power of diverse voices.
Join us in this enriching journey. Find all the details about our upcoming reads, participation guidelines, and answers to your FAQs right here. Let’s turn the page together on a more inclusive, equitable world.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On our virtual community network, we’ll have discussions, share ideas from what we are reading, and depending on participation, host monthly virtual conversations on each book.
The community will be a function of its contributors, so join us to help make it great!
Check out the frequently asked questions below, and if you have a question that isn’t answered, please contact us!
How to join
- If you haven’t already, join the Engineer Inclusion Network, a private learning community with an easy-to-use browser and mobile app interface.
- Under Learning Communities on the left navigation menu, join the Reading Community.
How to participate
- We’ll post semi-regular discussion prompts on the current book. Respond with your ideas and reply to others.
- Based on the community participation for each book, we may host a live virtual discussion. We will post in the events section of the group. You can subscribe to the calendar, so you never miss an event, too.
Reading List
February 6, 2024, 1 PM CT
Design Social Change: Take Action, Work Toward Equity, and Challenge the Status Quo, by Lesley-Ann Noel
REGISTER
These general questions touch on the themes of the book while allowing for broader interpretations and insights from personal experiences or knowledge in case people have not read the book.
- Role of Design in Society: How do you see design impacting social issues or change in our society? Can you think of an example where design (in any form) has played a role in addressing a social issue?
- Concepts for Change: Without specific frameworks in mind, how do you think creativity or design thinking can contribute to social equity and justice? What qualities make these approaches effective or not?
- Inclusive Design Principles: In what ways do you think inclusivity is important in the design process, especially when it comes to products, services, or systems meant for public use? How can designers ensure that diverse perspectives are considered?
- Challenges in Implementing Change: What are some potential obstacles to using design as a tool for social change? How can individuals or communities overcome these obstacles?
- Personal Influence and Action: Reflecting on your own experiences, how do you think individuals can use their skills or creativity to contribute to social change? Do you have personal examples or aspirations in this area?
- Critiques on Design and Social Change: Are there any critiques or concerns you have about the role of design in social change? How can these concerns be addressed to make design a more effective tool for positive impact?
- Learning and Engagement: How can people learn more about or engage with the concept of design for social change, even if they’re not designers themselves? What resources or actions would you recommend?
March 5, 2024, 12 PM CT
Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption, by Rafia Zakaria
REGISTER
May 21, 2024, 12 PM CT
For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, by Marcus Collins
REGISTER
AUGUST
Decentering Whiteness in the Workplace: A Guide for Equity and Inclusion, by Janice Gassam Asare
SEPTEMBER
Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom, by bell hooks
NOVEMBER
Pedagogy of the Oppressed, by Paulo Freire
F.A.Q.
Anyone is welcome to participate, regardless of job, affiliation, age, or experience.
There is no cost to join or participate.
No, you don’t have to have any previous experience in a reading community.
No, you don’t have to read all of the books. You can join to glean nuggets from the (hopefully) lively community contributions.
Absolutely! You are welcome to post and share about any books you are reading related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice — or anything tangentially relevant to the community.
ABSOLUTELY 🙂
We chose them based on various factors, but primarily because they are sitting on the corner of Dr. Meagan Pollock’s desk. Engineer Inclusion does not necessarily endorse any of the books, and selected order is random.
Great! Let us know what it is on the learning community. We may select it for next year, or a group of people may be interested in reading it with you, too.
