LEAF: The Employee Resource Group Curriculum
Building Your LEAF ERGs

👷Establish the Framework

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🎬 ERG Program Manager: Design Your LEAF ERGs

Now it’s your turn! Use this section to help decide

what kind of ERGs you’ll create under each pillar.

Step 1: Download the My LEAF Framework Worksheet and use this sheet to document the following steps.

Step 2: Document one to two ERGs from each pillar that you would implement. Include a short description of each group’s objective and the potential activities they would offer.

Step 3: Select ERG leaders and partner with them to set goals for each pillar (Lead, Empower, Advocate, Foster). Choose enthusiastic employees to serve as ERG leaders or co-leads, focusing on those who are passionate about connection, learning, or service. Encourage cross-department involvement to bring in diverse perspectives and stronger participation.

Step 4: Develop a 30-60-90 day plan for your ERGs. Outline your kickoff meetings, leadership announcements, and communication rollouts. Schedule regular check-ins to make sure each group stays supported, aligned, and moving forward.

Download My LEAF Framework Worksheet

LEAD

Before launching ERGs, it helps to give employees clear examples of the types of groups they can create. In the Lead lane, the focus is on learning, growth, and developing future leaders within the organization. These groups give employees a place to strengthen their skills, share knowledge, and build confidence in ways that support both personal and organizational success. Below are examples of Lead-focused groups along with activities each one might offer.

  • Purpose: Strengthen leadership skills and confidence.


    Activities: Leadership workshops, lunch-and-learns, guest speakers, reflection challenges.

  • Purpose: Support early-career employees preparing for leadership roles.


    Activities: Rotational leadership lessons, mini projects, peer-led practice sessions, Q&A panels.

  • Purpose: Empower and develop women leaders.


    Activities: Confidence workshops, networking circles, book studies, mentorship pairings.

  • Purpose: Connect teams to understand how the organization works together.


    Activities: Department tours, job shadowing, collaboration challenges, lunch-and-learn exchanges.

  • Purpose: Commit to ongoing education and skill building.

    Activities: Book clubs, mini courses, study groups, development discussions.

  • Purpose: Build communication and interpersonal confidence.

    Activities: Public speaking practice, feedback exchanges, presentation workshops, discussion circles.

EMPOWER

Empower groups focus on mentorship, support, and helping employees grow through shared guidance and real human connection. These groups create spaces where people can encourage one another, build confidence, and learn from different experiences across the organization. Empower is all about lifting each other up through structured support, career guidance, and relationship-building.

  • Purpose: Connect employees with mentors for personalized growth.

    Activities: Mentor–mentee matchups, monthly check-ins, goal-setting worksheets, mentorship roundtables.

  • Purpose: Build confidence in workplace skills and next-step career moves.

    Activities: Confidence coaching, interview practice, strengths assessments, career story workshops.

  • Purpose: Help new hires feel supported and connected from day one.

    Activities: Buddy assignments, welcome meetups, onboarding Q&A sessions, new-hire mixers.

  • Purpose: Pair rising leaders with senior leaders for high-level growth.

    Activities: Executive mentoring, leadership shadowing, quarterly leadership lunches, roadmap-building sessions.

  • Purpose: Encourage a mindset of learning, resilience, and personal development.

    Activities: Mindset workshops, reflection challenges, vision-building sessions, shared learning activities.

  • Purpose: Create a culture of uplifting each other and celebrating progress.

    Activities: Shoutout boards, recognition circles, celebration meetups, gratitude practices.

ADVOCATE

Advocate groups focus on giving back, creating impact, and building stronger connections between the organization and the community. These groups allow employees to champion causes they care about, support local organizations, and bring positive change both inside and outside the workplace. Advocate is all about service, outreach, and making a meaningful difference together.

  • Purpose: Support local nonprofits and lead volunteer projects.

    Activities: Volunteer days, fundraising drives, charity partnerships, donation sorting events.

  • Purpose: Organize service projects that help the community thrive.

    Activities: Neighborhood cleanups, food pantry shifts, school supply drives, community garden support.

  • Purpose: Connect employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

    Activities: Volunteer sign-up boards, monthly service spotlights, group volunteer outings, impact tracking.

  • Purpose: Promote mental health, balance, and overall employee wellness.

    Activities: Wellness challenges, walking groups, stress-management sessions, mindfulness meetups.

  • Purpose: Support a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.

    Activities: Culture celebrations, inclusive communication workshops, storytelling events, education sessions.

  • Purpose: Lead efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment.

    Activities: Recycling initiatives, sustainability challenges, energy-saving campaigns, eco-friendly workshops.

FOSTER

Foster groups focus on building skills, strengthening communication, and creating supportive environments where employees can grow together. These groups are designed to help people feel confident, capable, and connected through practical training and development opportunities. Foster is all about learning how to work better, communicate better, and lead better in everyday interactions.

  • Purpose: Improve communication and build confidence in workplace conversations.

    Activities: Communication workshops, role-play scenarios, listening practice, feedback circles.

  • Purpose: Develop everyday leadership skills employees can use on the job.

    Activities: Hands-on leadership exercises, problem-solving challenges, mini trainings, scenario discussions.

  • Purpose: Support healthy habits and stress management in the workplace.

    Activities: Wellness check-ins, mindfulness sessions, energy breaks, stress-reduction activities.

  • Purpose: Build confidence in navigating difficult conversations and disagreements.

    Activities: Conflict-mapping exercises, communication practice, guided discussions, de-escalation techniques.

  • Purpose: Help employees build core workplace skills.

    Activities: Time management workshops, organization skills, tech how-tos, productivity challenges.

  • Purpose: Strengthen customer service skills and confidence.

    Activities: Service scenario practice, empathy training, tone and communication workshops, service improvement ideas.