Black Lives Matter

I need to take a stand as it relates to the racial unrest and unfolding change that is occurring in our country. 

I am a Privileged, Baby Boomer, White Male. I do not know what it is like to be black or a person of color in the United States. Nor do I know what’s like to be a woman, either white or of color, trying to compete with men. 

With that said, I am emotional. I am outraged. And I want us to stop talking and start acting. I think NOW is a time for evolutionary change in how we consider and meet ALL people in this country. 

As a white man, my first step is to understand my privilege at many levels and I’m endeavoring to do just that. Mostly to learn what I don’t understand beyond simply my whiteness. I am also endeavoring to change my mental narrative when it comes to race, sexuality, gender, and neuro diversity. Working hard at it.

I’m endeavoring to “show up” to people of color with improved empathy and understanding. But beyond that, I want to take action. Assisting them individually and for our ultimate growth personally and as a nation.

Practical Areas where I’m Focused

Let me be clear. I’m not providing handouts or charity. Instead, I feel compelled to help as a means of reparation. Here are some specific actions I’ll be taking:

1. I’ll be using my agile community platform to go “on record” with my beliefs and efforts, to be a role model with my unwavering support;

2. I’ve begun (and will continue) contributing to the Black Lives Matter group and ACLU so that they can more aggressively forward our progress;

3. I’ll be providing deeply discounted seats to any of my CAL-I and CAL-II classes for:

   1. All people of color;

   2. Women;

   3. Under/Unemployed;

   4. Self-paying individuals;

   5. Ex-military folks coming back into civilian life.

4. I’ll be providing pro-bono coaching to/for any of the above groups who want to get into agile in any way. Or want career guidance.

5. I’ll be mentoring any of the above groups who’d like to gain confidence and experience in conference/event speaking and/or writing about agile contexts.

6. I’ll be co-training and pair-coaching as a way of providing mentoring to people of color and women as often as possible.

Wrapping Up

I will no longer sit on the sidelines as an empathetic and supportive advocate for diversity and equity. Instead, I’ll be looking to be more ACTIVE and participative.

Will I be perfect? No.

Will I make mistakes? I expect so.

But I commit to everyone that, as a work in progress, I will be evolving and getting better as a human being in how I engage all other human beings. Working incredibly hard at it. About inspiring and supporting change, inclusivity, respect, and love.

I challenge anyone reading this to do the same!

Stay agile my friends,

Bob.

Update: October 2020

I’ve partnered with Aanu Gopald on two areas. First, I’m offering CAL-I and CAL-E + CAL-O classes with a discount to $500/seat to people of color, both here in the US, in Africa, and abroad. Aanu has been referring folks to this opportunity and I’ll be continuing to do this as long as there is interest.

Secondly, for every seat that is purchased with a discount, I’ll be donating $100 to Africa Agility so that our technology and agile outreach can increase even more. I think it’s a very worthwhile organization to consider supporting and would love it if you put it “on your radar”.

February 2022 update: I’ve started the year with a significant donation to the group at the beginning of their next Girls in Tech learning cohort. It’s a privilege to be able to support these wonderful women!

Here’s a wonderful LinkedIn post with a fantastic and moving video - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ugcPost-6898607748985294848-8z6d/

Update: Allyship

I came upon this site that focuses on the notion of Allyship. It really resonated with me and I want to share it here. I now am thinking of myself as an Ally for people of color specifically inside the agile community as a focus, but also in general.

Here’s an HBR article on the same topic. So the question is, are you an Ally?

Update: August 2021

I thought I’d share some other folks who are supporting POC in our Agile Community.

First up is the Agile Alliance and its Agile in Color initiative.

• https://www.agilealliance.org/resources/initiatives/agile-in-color/

• https://www.agilealliance.org/agile-in-color-q1-2021-update/

I fully support this wonderful initiative by the Alliance and hope for its ongoing and longer-term success and growth.

Next is an initiative by Kemmy Raji and others called Sprintify. They are doing incredible things by sharing their expertise in training programs that focus on underserved folks in North America and Africa.

And finally, there is a “Home Town” initiative ezT StandUp and Agile Diversity for Students Meetup group that I’m proud to support and actively partner with.

• https://www.eztagile.com/eztstandupinitiative

• https://www.meetup.com/agile-diversity-for-students/

Update: January - February 2022

I continue to support Agile in Color as a mentor.

I’ve established a new relationship with a group called Agile Disciples USA. It’s an interesting group of coaches who are interested in (1) working as a cohort to gain their Scrum Alliance CTC certifications, and (2) establishing a group to give back & serve their agile communities.

You can find them here - https://agiledisciplesusa.com/

I was honored to share a talk in January to kick off their online sessions. It was about Badass Agile Coaching and aligned with my new book.

This is a group I plan on supporting as a mentor and coach and I would recommend you put them on your radar. They’re taking flight!

LeanInAgile

Another group of Women in Agile that is worth your attention!