The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders

The Includers is a handbook that provides steps to take,qualities to hone,and people to emulate to become an "includer" and make meaningful progress. It highlights the experiences of real includers who have used their positions as leaders to fight for change and shows that this form of allyship is possible, sustainable, and necessary.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: BenBella Books

The people who oversee policy, government, sports, arts, and entertainment are most commonly white men. Another fact: We cannot achieve meaningful progress if we exclude the very people who have the power to make systemic change.

This easy-to-read handbook is free of any attempts to shame or guilt you for the choices you made in the past or privileges you were born with. Instead, you'll learn to view the work you do through a lens of racial equity so you can begin making changes today.

In The Includers, Colette Phillips shares data and real-life stories, focusing on the steps to take, qualities to hone, and people to emulate to become an "includer." By highlighting the experiences of real includers who have utilised their positions as leaders to fight for change, Phillips shows that this form of allyship isn't just possible, it's easy, sustainable, and necessary.

For people with the power to make change, the first step is simply recognising the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all of us. The second step means doing something to make it a reality - but many are stuck, with no idea how to begin in a way that will genuinely help.

Thats where The Includers comes in.

The Includers is a practical guide for anyone who wants to become a more effective ally in the fight for racial justice. It provides a roadmap for building relationships with people from different backgrounds, understanding the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from achieving equality, and developing strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace, community, and personal life.

Phillips begins by exploring the history of racial inequality in the United States and the role that white privilege has played in perpetuating it. She then shares data and statistics that demonstrate the impact of racial discrimination on various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, employment, and housing.

Throughout the book, Phillips offers practical tips and strategies for becoming an "includer." She emphasizes the importance of listening and learning from people from different backgrounds, challenging your own biases and assumptions, and speaking out against discrimination and inequality whenever you see it. She also provides examples of successful inclusion efforts in various industries, including sports, technology, and entertainment, and shares the stories of individuals who have used their positions of power to promote change.

One of the key themes of The Includers is the importance of building relationships with people from different backgrounds. Phillips argues that true inclusion requires a deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities, and that building relationships is the best way to achieve this. She provides tips for building meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds, including finding common ground, interests, and values, and showing empathy and respect for their experiences.

Another important theme of the book is the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from achieving equality. Phillips identifies a range of these barriers, including institutional racism, discrimination in the criminal justice system, and gender and sexual orientation discrimination. She provides examples of successful efforts to address these barriers, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act
Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Affordable Care Act.

In addition to providing practical tips and strategies for becoming an "includer," The Includers is a call to action for individuals with the power to make change. Phillips argues that true inclusion requires a collective effort, and that everyone has a role to play in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She encourages readers to take responsibility for their own learning and growth, to challenge their own biases and assumptions, and to use their positions of power to promote change in their communities and workplaces.

One of the strengths of The Includers is its accessibility. Phillips writes in a clear and concise manner, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds and levels of experience. She uses examples and anecdotes to illustrate her points, and her writing style is engaging and relatable.

Another strength of the book is its emphasis on the importance of intersectionality. Phillips recognizes that race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity are interconnected and that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion requires a holistic approach that addresses all of these forms of identity. She provides examples of successful inclusion efforts that have taken an intersectional approach, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the #MeToo movement.

Overall, The Includers is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to become a more effective ally in the fight for racial justice. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide for building relationships with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own biases and assumptions, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace, community, and personal life. By highlighting the experiences of real includers who have utilised their positions as leaders to fight for change, Phillips shows that this form of allyship isn't just possible, it's easy, sustainable, and necessary.

In conclusion, The Includers is a must-read for anyone who wants to become a more effective ally in the fight for racial justice. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide for building relationships with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own biases and assumptions, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace, community, and personal life. By highlighting the experiences of real includers who have utilised their positions as leaders to fight for change, Phillips shows that this form of allyship isn't just possible, it's easy, sustainable, and necessary.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 146 x 218 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637741382