Hi,

resources don't always make the difference, We tried to (re) start a 
race equality network here and offered admin support & some funding. 
However we got very little interest from staff and it never took off. 
I'd be delighted in some thoughts on why.

best wishes
Michelle

Rajyaguru Dipen wrote:
> Hi Jenny,
>  
> We have a successful BME Staff network generally due to the fact that 
> it has resources attached to it (we still had to apply through or 
> charitable funds!). With money comes accountability, with 
> accountability comes decision makers (board members etc) and with the 
> decision makers comes action and through action you gain confidence of 
> staff (i.e. "things are really happening"). The blocks come form those 
> decision makers who do not have a clue (or possibly racist) regarding 
> equalities and will argue 'that you do not need such a group as they 
> cause inequalities and we are here to mainstream equality', and 
> thereby endorsing the "one size fits all" programmes which cost a lot 
> and do not achieve anything but provides an argument as to why 
> multiculturalism does not work.
>  
> As a white female you may be in a better position than your BME 
> counterparts to argue for race equality as you  are not considered a 
> threat (my opinion only), you may want to question why they have put a 
> white female in to look at race equality in the first instance? ( 
> although you may be amply qualified and experienced).
>  
> I hope this helps, I am happy to speak to off-line about inspirational 
> speakers.
>  
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Dipen
>
> Dipen Rajyaguru LL.B (Hons)
> Health Equality & Diversity Specialist
> Barnet PCT
> 020 8937 7709
>
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     *From:* HE Administrators equal opportunities list
>     [mailto:[log in to unmask]]*On Behalf Of *Jenny Woodhouse
>     *Sent:* 08 May 2008 11:30
>     *To:* [log in to unmask]
>     *Subject:* Staff race equality networks
>
>
>     Dear colleagues
>
>     I have recently taken over responsibility, pro tem, for work in
>     the area of race equality.  We have recently attempted to launch a
>     race equality network, with very little initial take-up.  As a
>     white woman I can only speculate as to why this is - whether our
>     global majority (thanks to Gus John for the formulation) staff
>     simply don't want  a network, or whether the culture discourages
>     them from seeking to network, for instance by locating the
>     'problem' with the individual rather than the culture (Carter,
>     Fenton, Modood, c. 1998).
>
>     I'd be very grateful for any information colleagues can give me
>     about successful networks, how they have been set up, how they
>     function, and any suggestion such as speakers who might help us to
>     focus.
>
>     With best wishes to all - sorry to trouble you again so soon!
>
>     Jenny
>
>
>
>     Jenny Woodhouse
>     Equality and Diversity Policy Officer
>     University of Cambridge Human Resources Division
>     25 Trumpington Street
>     Cambridge CB2 1QA
>     01223 332344
>
>     Please note  that I work part-time.  My normal working days are
>     Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
>