Doubling the Impact: Dialogue Staff Add Corporate Contributions
Author: Jasmine Pogue, DORLA's Facilitator Coordinator
As the Facilitator Coordinator at Dialogue on Race Louisiana (DORLA), Jasmine plays a pivotal role in recruiting, training, and supporting DORLA alumni as trained facilitators across the United States and beyond. With a deep commitment to fostering open and honest dialogue, Jasmine brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her facilitation work.
I participated in my first Dialogue on Race Original Series in the wake of the 2016 presidential election. I sought an alternative to my argumentive debates on race and politics, and enrolling in the Original Series proved to be a transformative experience, leading me from being a participant to becoming the Facilitator Coordinator. Today, the small yet passionate team at Dialogue on Race Louisiana balances full-time commitments while working tirelessly toward fostering meaningful conversations about race.
Dialogue on Race Mississippi
Jasmine facilitated the Dialogue on Race Mississippi Original Series on the Gulf in 2018: Dinner and Dialogue
This summer, I was unexpectedly laid off from my tech startup job, which allowed me to dedicate additional hours to volunteering at Dialogue on Race. This newfound time became a source of joy, allowing me to contribute more substantially.
When I finally found a job, my new employer surprised me with a unique benefit: a $2,000 donation to a charity of my choice. I could activate my contribution through volunteer hours or by doubling a dollar contribution.
Dialogue on Race dialogues always ask, "What can you see yourself doing?" and "What would you like to see institutions doing?" I find fulfillment in envisioning myself using my free time to work with Dialogue on Race Louisiana. I also love utilizing my employer's matching program to contribute corporate funds to further the essential work of ending racism in my lifetime.
Dialogue on Race celebrating Chinese New Year
Jasmine visited Baton Rouge from Massachusetts in January of 2023 with DIalogue on Race Louisiana President and CEO, Maxine, Staff Casey and Michael, Board Member Shaofei, and Facilitator Kathryn.
With the end of the year approaching, I encourage everyone to explore similar workplace opportunities. Employer matching programs can significantly enhance the impact of your support for Dialogue on Race Louisiana, allowing you to double your monetary or volunteering contribution meaningfully to the dialogue and its transformative power.
