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Manbassador Mondays

Manbassador Mondays - #MeToo

There's a lot in the news these days about sexual harassment and sexual assault - from Harvey Weinstein to Kevin Spacey to members of Congress.

Were you surprised by how widespread this is? A recent ABC News-Washington Post poll indicates that â€œmore than half of U.S. women have experienced unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances from men, 3 in 10 have put up with unwanted advances from male co-workers and a quarter have endured them from men who had influence over their work situation."

The WBA and Manbassadors have two events coming up which touch on these issues.

The first will be happening this week, starting today at lunch time and is a chance for Kellogg students to share their experiences of sexual harassment and assault - and for allies to share their pledges to help combat this. Stop by the #MeToo #IHearYou wall outside Inspired Grounds in the Hub and share your own story or learn about what your fellow students have experienced.

The second is more tactical - learn from successful tech entrepreneurs how to create an inclusive, gender equitable workplace at our upcoming Toxic In Tech: How to Buck the Trend and Build Inclusive Cultures event.

What should a Manbassador do?

Often victims are afraid of retaliation if they report the issues - and retaliation can range from firing or being transferred to some remote office to just being the subject of office gossip. If you have a colleague who confides if you, acknowledge that these are legitimate fears, and say that you'll speak up around office gossip (and do so!). Remember it's the victim's decision to escalate the issue, but being supportive can go a long way.
Don't be a silent bystander. If you're there when something questionable happens, say something to show that you think it's not right. It doesnâ€™t have to be a full-on lecture - just a clear indication that youâ€™re not down with that kind of behavior, and perhaps a swift change of subject.
Perhaps more importantly, speak up when women aren't around - that demonstrates it's not a show and you truly expect your friends and colleagues to do better.

These tips don't cover everything you can do, just a few quick ideas. Check out the articles below for more information.

Want to read more?

Upcoming Events

#MeToo / #IHearYou WBA Wall

The #MeToo viral social media campaign has raised awareness about the sexual assault and harassment that many of us face in our lives. These harmful events infiltrate our workplaces, our personal lives and even schools like Kellogg. That's why we are collecting stories from the Kellogg community and sharing them publicly on a board in the Global Hub which will be displayed at Inspired Grounds from Monday - Friday, 11/6 - 11/10.

If you've experienced a #MeToo moment, whether it was sexual assault, harassment, or a microaggression (a subtle yet discriminatory action or comment), we invite
you to share your story -- anonymously or otherwise -- so that we can continue to raise awareness. If you have not experienced such an event, but you would like to help end the status quo, please share how you will be an ally.

The WBA will be collecting anonymous responses here. We will also have materials available for students to hand-write responses by the board itself.

Toxic In Tech: How to Buck the Trend and Build Inclusive Cultures

Going into tech and want to avoid being in the headlines for a toxic culture and work environment? Want to learn practical tips about how to be an inclusive leader throughout your career?

Hear from Jellyvision CEO Amanda Lannert and Kellogg Professor and VC studio partner Joe Dwyer as they discuss ways to create and promote a diverse and inclusive organizational culture, specifically within tech. You'll gain a better understanding of the causes of toxic cultures as well as tactics and strategies to promote gender equality throughout your career.

This event is open to all genders, and food will be provided.

Speaker profiles:

Amanda Lannert is the Chief Executive Officer of The Jellyvision Lab and has been a key figure in driving the company since its founding in 2001. Under Amanda's leadership, Jellyvision has become one of Chicago's fastest growing tech companies, adding about 100 employees a year while remaining cash flow positive. The company has grown to serve hundreds of mostly Fortune 1000 clients with ALEXÂ®, the most helpful employee decision support platform on the planet (www.meetalex.com). Meanwhile, the company has been recognized as the Best Software Company and Best Culture by the Moxies, the 2015 Lighthouse winner by the ITA, a top 10 best place to work in Chicago by The Chicago Tribune and the #1 place for millennials to work in Chicago according to Crain's.

Joe Dwyer is an investor, technologist and serial entrepreneur. He is a partner at Digital Intent, a firm that leverages creative technology to evolve existing companies, as well as a partner at Founder Equity Fund, which employs a novel approach to early-stage venture investing. Joe has been creating and growing new digital businesses for 25 years.