At its core, The ERG Movement is founded upon three key principles, which serve as a guide for companies looking to establish effective ERG programs. These principles are as follows:

Principle #1: Your ERG Program must operate as a business enterprise.

The ERG Movement advocates for a business-oriented approach to managing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in an organization. This means that the principles and practices of business development should be applied to ERG programs, with the goal of driving growth and success.To achieve this, it is crucial to adopt the mindset of a business enterprise, and understand the key elements that make a business thrive.

The ERG Movement recognizes that the operations of a thriving business and the operations of an ERG are one and the same. Both require a clear sense of direction, a well-defined plan, effective leadership, and a focus on continuous improvement. By adopting a business-oriented approach, ERG programs can become a more integral part of the organization, and drive meaningful impact for both employees and the organization as a whole.

Principle #2: Your ERG Program must benefit its members and the company that it serves within.

This principle emphasizes the importance of having a mutually beneficial relationship between the ERG program and both its members and the company it serves.

The ERG Movement puts an end to the concept of Affinity Groups that only benefit its members. In today's business environment, with a recession on the horizon, companies expect a clear return on investment from their expenditures, including investments in ERG programs. The ERG Movement puts an end to the concept of Business Resource Groups that only benefit the business. The focus is on creating a community of members that can make a significant impact on the business. Community building, therefore, becomes an integral part of the ERG program and plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcomes. The goal is to create a program that benefits both the members and the company, leading to a more engaged and committed workforce and better business results.

By following Principle #2, ERG programs can become more than just social clubs or business units, but rather an integral part of the company's strategy. This can lead to increased engagement and commitment from members, and ultimately, better business results. The ERG Movement emphasizes that every ERG, regardless of its name, should aim to benefit both its members and the company, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders. In this way, the ERG Program becomes a valuable asset to the company, contributing to its success and growth.

Principle #3: Your ERG Program must have a strong foundation or it will fail.

This principle highlights the importance of having a strong foundation for the ERG Program. This foundation includes both a well-defined vision and strategy for the program, as well as a solid structure for the program operations. A strong foundation is crucial for the success of the ERG Program, as it provides a roadmap for how the program will achieve its goals and impact both its members and the company it serves.

The vision of the ERG Program should be shaped by the members and stakeholders of the program, and should reflect their needs and wants. This can be achieved through a listening tour, where the ERG leaders engage with members and stakeholders to gather their input and feedback. The vision should represent the dream state of the program and provide a clear picture of what the program aims to achieve.

In addition to a vision, the ERG Program also needs a clear strategy that outlines how it will achieve the vision. The strategy should include a timeline and specific tactics that will be used to reach the desired outcome. The ERG Program should also have a uniform structure, with all ERGs following a program-level approach rather than an individualized approach. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be in place to detail the operations of the ERG and ensure that the program has a solid structure that can support its goals and objectives.

Having a strong foundation for the ERG Program is essential for its success and longevity. Without it, the program may struggle to achieve its goals and make a meaningful impact on its members and the company it serves. By focusing on building a solid foundation, the ERG Program can position itself for long-term success and growth.

By following these principles, companies can build strong, effective ERG programs. Whether you're a business leader looking to establish an ERG program or an ERG leader looking to build a stronger program, these principles can serve as a roadmap to success.