How to Run Effective ERG Meetings
Running an ERG is about creating connection and consistency. Meetings should be structured enough to stay on track but relaxed enough to encourage open conversation.
Best Practices
Be Consistent: Hold meetings at a regular cadence (monthly or bi-monthly).
Respect Time: Keep meetings between 45–60 minutes.
Encourage Voices: Make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
Stay Mission-Focused: Tie discussions back to your ERG’s goals and the LEAF pillar it aligns with.
End with Action: Always close with clear next steps and ownership of tasks.
Kickoff Checklist
Launching your first ERG session? Use this step-by-step list to set your group up for success.
✔️ Before the Meeting
Meet with HR and/or your executive sponsor to confirm goals.
Review the LEAF worksheet for alignment.
Prepare a short welcome and overview of your ERG’s purpose.
Send invitations and reminders to members.
✔️ During the Meeting
Welcome everyone and introduce yourself and any co-leads.
Review the purpose of the ERG and the LEAF pillar it supports.
Facilitate introductions: have everyone share their “why” for joining and answer an icebreaker question.
Discuss upcoming events or initiatives.
End with next steps and date of the next meeting.
✔️ After the Meeting
Send a thank-you email with key takeaways and the next meeting date.
Upload notes or updates to your team communication channel or LMS.
Track attendance and engagement.
ERG Leader Communication Templates
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Subject: 🌿Exciting News! Our New [ERG Name] Group is Here!
Hi everyone,
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new [ERG Name], part of our LEAF Framework (Lead, Empower, Advocate, Foster) initiative. This group will focus on [insert ERG focus or purpose], helping us connect, learn, and grow together as a team.
We’re excited to get started!
📅 Kickoff Meeting: [Date/Time]
📍 Location or Link: [Insert Link or Room]This group is open to everyone! No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to grow.
We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together.
[Your Name]
[ERG Name] Leader -
Subject: Reminder: [ERG Name] Meeting This [Day]!
Hi [ERG Name] Members,
Just a quick reminder that our next [ERG Name] meeting is coming up!
📅 Date: [Insert Date]
🕐 Time: [Insert Time]
📍 Location/Link: [Insert Link or Location]We’ll be discussing [briefly mention topic or goal, e.g., our upcoming mentorship kickoff or volunteer event].
Please bring any ideas or updates you’d like to share!Looking forward to connecting with everyone soon.
[Your Name]
[ERG Name] Leader -
Subject: Thank You for Attending Today’s [ERG Name] Meeting!
Hi team,
Thank you to everyone who joined today’s [ERG Name] meeting! Your energy and ideas are what make this group thrive.
Meeting Highlights:
[Key point or decision #1]
[Key point or decision #2]
[Next steps or action items]
📅 Next Meeting: [Insert Date]
If you missed today’s session, you can catch up using our notes here: [Insert Link or Document].Thank you again for helping us live out the values of LEAF by [insert example, e.g., learning together, mentoring others, or serving the community].
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[ERG Name] Leader -
A simple structure keeps your ERG meetings organized, engaging, and productive. Use this agenda to guide discussion, capture wins, and keep your group aligned on next steps.
👉 Use the LEAF ERG Sample Meeting Agenda (CLICK HERE) to plan your next meeting.
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This template gives you a simple way to capture your ERG’s progress, wins, challenges, and goals each month or quarter. Use it to highlight growth, identify support needs, and share the real impact your ERG is making across the organization.
👉 Complete the ERG Reporting Template (CLICK HERE) to document your ERG’s story and keep your leadership partners informed.