Use Tools that Make Your Work Easier
OverviewA few grounded guidelines to help your ERG stay aligned, nonpartisan, and respectful.
Summary: our ERG provides simple, nonpartisan resources that help employees feel informed and confident without engaging in political advocacy or debate.
Why This Matters
Civic engagement can feel complicated, especially in a workplace where people hold different beliefs and want a calm, respectful environment. You do not need complex policies to do this well. You only need simple guardrails that keep conversations steady and help your ERG build trust.
The guidelines below protect culture, reduce risk, and help everyone know what to expect.
The Three Core Principles
These principles shape every message, resource, and conversation. When in doubt, return to these basics.
1. Focus on participation, not persuasion
Your ERG supports employees with information about how to participate, not who or what to support.
Clear examples of what this covers:
• Key dates
• How to register
• Where to find accurate resources
• How to vote early
• How to check polling locations
Behaviors to avoid:
• Advocacy
• Issue-based persuasion
• Endorsements
• Debates
When your ERG stays focused on participation, you help everyone feel safe.
2. Use neutral and factual language
Your words set the tone. Neutral language helps employees feel respected and welcomed, even when they hold different views.
Good examples:
• “Here is how you can find accurate information.”
• “Here are key deadlines for this election season.”
Avoid language that:
• implies a preferred political outcome
• contains emotionally charged framing
• suggests what people should believe
Neutral language builds trust and calm.
3. Keep conversations grounded and optional
Employees should always feel free to engage at their own pace.
This means you:
• invite, but never pressure
• offer simple supports
• redirect debates
• set clear expectations for respect
You do not need to be an expert facilitator. You simply provide structure and clarity.
Simple Guardrails for Your ERG
These are short, practical rules that help everything stay aligned.
Your ERG can:
• Share trusted voting resources
• Educate about participation
• Host calm discussions
• Offer guidance on navigating stress
• Highlight civic moments
• Encourage involvement in a nonpartisan way
Your ERG should not:
• Endorse candidates
• Promote issues or ballot measures
• Host debates
• Use partisan language
• Share unverified links
• Allow conversations to escalate
These boundaries make your ERG a safe and steady place for everyone.
Helpful Language You Can Use
These phrases help leaders respond in real time when conversations drift.
“Our ERG focuses on participation, not persuasion.”
“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable, so we keep discussions factual and nonpartisan.”
“Let’s bring this back to the information that helps people take their next step.”
“I hear that this matters to you. For this space, we stay centered on simple guidance and support.”
Scripts like these keep you grounded without shutting anyone down.
