Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BRG Selection & Application
What is a BRG?
A BRG or Business Resource Group is a collection of employees brought together to share their passion for diversity and inclusion and help the organization achieve its goals.
Which BRGs does Carilion have?
Currently, Carilion has the four BRGs listed below. Employees voted on which BRGs they wanted Carilion to start first.
- Disability Advocates BRG - a group for employees that have a passion for advocating for people with disabilities
- Multi-Cultural BRG - a group for employees that are committed to ensuring inclusion for people of all cultures
- Veterans BRG - a group of employees passionate about advocating for veteran needs
- Women Professionals BRG - an employee group for people that are dedicated to the development of women professionals
If the BRG you voted for wasn't created this time around, then don't be discouraged! We expect to add new BRGs in the coming years. Some organizations have hundreds of BRGs, but we wanted to start out small to make sure each group gets the resources it needs.
Why did we vote on which BRGs to have in the first year?
We wanted to involve our employees in this process from the very beginning. What better way to do that than letting them choose which BRGs will be created?
Which BRGs got the most votes and will be started first?
- Disability Advocates BRG
- Multi-Cultural BRG
- Veterans BRG
- Women Professionals BRG
What is the application process for joining a BRG?
Be sure to read over the criteria for becoming a BRG member listed below before you apply. After completing the BRG application, the Inclusion Council will determine BRG membership based on criteria met, spaces available on each BRG, and timing of your application.
Please feel free to apply to be part of a group that you have a passion for, because everyone is welcome! For example, you don't have to be a veteran to be a member of the Veteran BRG, you just have to have a passion for helping veterans, and you don't have to be a woman to join the Women Professionals BRG, you just need to be committed to the success of women professionals.
Once your application is complete, your direct leader will be notified of your application submission. Leaders should look for an email from snwhitecross@carilionclinic.org with the subject line New BRG Application Submission.
Who should I contact with questions about the BRGs?
Please reach out to Stephanie Whitecross (snwhitecross@carilionclinic.org) with any questions.
BRG Participation
Who can become a BRG member?
The criteria for becoming a BRG member include the following:
- Membership is open to all Carilion Clinic employees
- Members must have their manager’s approval to participate
- Members must be available for regular group meetings
- Members cannot have any active Disciplinary Actions or Performance Improvement Plans
- Membership is voluntary
- Attendance to BRG meetings–as determined by BRG leadership
- Members must support the organization’s business needs and be an advocate for the diversity & inclusion process
- Members should maintain open minds
- Members must maintain confidentiality where appropriate
- BRGs must be inclusive and may not limit participation to any particular race, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, ethnicity, or other protected classification
Can remote/non-Roanoke based employees participate?
Yes! BRGs are meant to bring employees together based on their shared passion for inclusion, so location shouldn't exclude you from participating. All BRG meetings are expected to have virtual meeting capabilities.
BRG Objectives & Responsibilities
What type of work will BRGs do?
With guidance from the Inclusion Council and the BRG Charter document, the BRGs can determine their own objectives. A few potential objectives are listed below:
- Assist in driving organizational change while helping BRG members develop their skills
- Support Carilion’s efforts to attract and retain the best talent
- Promote and develop diverse leadership at all levels in the organization
- Assist Carilion Clinic in creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive work environment
What are the responsibilities of a BRG member?
BRG responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Be a proud representative of Carilion
- Respect others
- Actively attend and participate in BRG meetings and events
- Act with the greater good of the organization at heart
Who do the BRGs report to?
Each BRG will have a BRG Leader. These leaders and the rest of the group report to the Inclusion Council (IC). The IC is a group of leaders with a passion for promoting Diversity & Inclusion at Carilion Clinic. This council will guide BRGs and ensure they are successful.
BRG Time Commitment
How often will BRGs meet?
BRGs will meet at least once a month. At maximum, the BRGs may require four hours a month including meetings and volunteer time at events.
Will I be paid for attending BRG meetings?
Yes! You will be paid for meetings that are held during regular working hours. However, some BRG events may require you to volunteer your time. Please work with your leader to avoid overtime if possible.
BRG Benefits
What are the benefits of becoming a BRG member?
Joining a BRG offers community, camaraderie, connections, and a sense of belonging. BRGs introduce new and current employees to the Carilion culture, and help build and maintain employee engagement and satisfaction.
In addition, BRGs provide employees with opportunities for:
- Professional development
- Showcasing their skills, talents, and passions
- Recognition within the organization
- Mentoring
- Networking
- Positively impacting the business through business development
- Advocating for change
How does the organization benefit from BRGs?
BRGs help our organization by:
- Supporting Carilion’s values and business goals, including its commitment to foster an inclusive work environment
- Supporting Carilion’s diversity initiatives, aspirations, and goals
- Fostering communications between Carilion and its employees
- Creating an open forum for the exchange of ideas
- Providing mentoring and professional development opportunities for Carilion employees
