Diversity Equity Inclusion > DEI Initiatives
DEI Initiatives
Tonkon Torp actively and regularly reviews internal practices, policies, and procedures through an equity lens and works to implement changes as a result of our reviews. In addition, we have outlined some of our DEI Initiatives below.
Presentations & Events: The DEI Committee hosts regular expert presentations and trainings for all employees on topics related to equity and inclusion. 2021 programs include “Can We Get Along? Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community” with Chisao Hata, and “Whiteness at Work, Roots of Bias” with Randy Blazak. As a member of Partners in Diversity, Tonkon Torp employees also regularly attend Partners in Diversity educational events and workshops. For example, Tonkon Torp was a sponsor of the inaugural NW Equity Summit, a Partners in Diversity conference focused on helping employers learn how to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Conversations: The DEI Committee also hosts a popular book club/discussion group, encouraging participants to read and discuss books related to anti-racism, the experiences of minorities, and personal growth related to DEI issues. Recent book club selections include How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Caste, The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson.
Employee Resource Groups: Tonkon Torp hosts an employee resource group, for employees who identify as people of color, and another employee group for “Allies” who do not identify as people of color and are looking to learn and grow in their understanding of DEI issues. These lawyer led, self-directed groups provide a regular forum and safe space for employees to discuss issues that are sometimes challenging or sensitive issues in larger groups.
Conversation Project: In 2016 we began hosting an ongoing series of Conversation Project lunches for staff and attorneys. Offered by Oregon Humanities, the Conversation Project engages communities throughout the state in thoughtful and challenging conversations on topics and ideas that will shape Oregon’s future. Recent topics have covered issues related to gender, racial diversity in Oregon, understanding disability, and houselessness.
Special Fee Arrangements: We recently developed and are launching the Tonkon HUB (Helping Underrepresented Business Owners) program to support underrepresented small business owners and entrepreneurs by offering fee discounts, flexible payment arrangements, free trainings on relevant business and legal issues, and access to networking opportunities. This program aims to support and help business in our community grow and succeed, and also to dismantle barriers to legal services.
Vendor Diversity Program: We have expanded our preferred vendor list to include a greater number of businesses owned by diverse and historically underrepresented business owners. We track our spending to achieve and set percentage goals for spending on local, diverse vendor products and services.
Presentations & Events: The DEI Committee hosts regular expert presentations and trainings for all employees on topics related to equity and inclusion. 2021 programs include “Can We Get Along? Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community” with Chisao Hata, and “Whiteness at Work, Roots of Bias” with Randy Blazak. As a member of Partners in Diversity, Tonkon Torp employees also regularly attend Partners in Diversity educational events and workshops. For example, Tonkon Torp was a sponsor of the inaugural NW Equity Summit, a Partners in Diversity conference focused on helping employers learn how to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Conversations: The DEI Committee also hosts a popular book club/discussion group, encouraging participants to read and discuss books related to anti-racism, the experiences of minorities, and personal growth related to DEI issues. Recent book club selections include How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Caste, The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson.
Employee Resource Groups: Tonkon Torp hosts an employee resource group, for employees who identify as people of color, and another employee group for “Allies” who do not identify as people of color and are looking to learn and grow in their understanding of DEI issues. These lawyer led, self-directed groups provide a regular forum and safe space for employees to discuss issues that are sometimes challenging or sensitive issues in larger groups.
Conversation Project: In 2016 we began hosting an ongoing series of Conversation Project lunches for staff and attorneys. Offered by Oregon Humanities, the Conversation Project engages communities throughout the state in thoughtful and challenging conversations on topics and ideas that will shape Oregon’s future. Recent topics have covered issues related to gender, racial diversity in Oregon, understanding disability, and houselessness.
Special Fee Arrangements: We recently developed and are launching the Tonkon HUB (Helping Underrepresented Business Owners) program to support underrepresented small business owners and entrepreneurs by offering fee discounts, flexible payment arrangements, free trainings on relevant business and legal issues, and access to networking opportunities. This program aims to support and help business in our community grow and succeed, and also to dismantle barriers to legal services.
Vendor Diversity Program: We have expanded our preferred vendor list to include a greater number of businesses owned by diverse and historically underrepresented business owners. We track our spending to achieve and set percentage goals for spending on local, diverse vendor products and services.