Update file _index.md

At GitLab, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging is infused into our company culture, from our [values](/handbook/values/) to our [all-remote way of working](/handbook/company/culture/all-remote/).

Engineering partners closely with our [Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/) team to ensure we're building a diverse and inclusive workforce around the globe as the company continues to grow.

- [Team Member Resource Groups](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmrgs-and-tmags-slack-channels)

- [Team Member Resource Groups](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmxgs-slack-channels)

- [Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging GitLab initiatives](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/#gitlabs-diversity-inclusion-and-belonging-mission)

## Overview

---

title: "TMRG - Team Member Resource and Advocacy Group Guide"

title: "TMRG/TMAG - Team Member Resource and Team Member Advocacy Group Guide"

description: "An overview of what is needed to start and sustain a Team Member Resource Group or a Team Member Advocacy Group"

---

On this page you will be provided an overview of what is needed to start and sustain a GitLab TMRG (Team Member **Resource** Group) or a Team Member **Advocacy** Group.

On this page you will be provided an overview of what is needed to start and sustain a GitLab TMRG (Team Member **Resource** Group) or a Team Member **Advocacy** Group. We will refer to the TMRG/TMAG as the abbreviated version TMxG to indicate we are referring to both.

We have two types of groups.  Some are community based groups that support both their communities and their allies, and cause-based groups that bring our team members together around topics like mental health that matter to everyone.  They are voluntary, team member-led groups focused on fostering diversity, inclusion and belonging within GitLab. They help build stronger internal and external connections; offer social, educational, and outreach activities; create development opportunities for future leaders; and increase engagement among team members. Each is supported by Executive Sponsors who provide visibility support and amplify the communities voice across GitLab.

- They provide awareness, education, and advocacy that benefits the whole company.

- The goal is to strengthen inclusion and belonging across all communities

### What is not an TMRG at GitLab

### What is not an TMxG at GitLab

There are many types of groups and not all of them meet the criteria of being a GitLab supported TMRG. Here are some examples of those that would not be considered TMRGs here at GitLab:

**NOTE:** "GitLab supported TMRG or TMAG" means the group is formally recognized by the company as a GitLab TMRG or TMAG.

## How to Join Current TMRGs and TMAGs Slack Channels

## How to Join Current TMxGs Slack Channels

The following groups have completed the process to be an TMRG or TMAG and received formal support as part of the [DIB framework](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/#tmrgs---team-member-resource-groups). Click the signup link (GitLab team members only) to join:

**Accountabilities and Commitments:**

- Champion TMRG/TMAG initiatives/success/challenges within E-Group/Functional leaders

- Champion TMxG initiatives/success/challenges within E-Group/Functional leaders

- Provide strategic guidance on annual planning and priority setting

- Remove organizational barriers that impede TMRG/TMAG impact

- Remove organizational barriers that impede TMxG impact

- Provide strategic guidance on career development to the community & allys

- Provide visibility opportunities for TMRG/TMAG initiatives & Leads

- Provide visibility opportunities for TMxG initiatives & Leads

**Engagement and Visibility**

Co-create and Action an Engagement Plan with the TMRG/TMAG

Participate in quarterly sync meetings with TMRG/TMAG leadership

Share TMRG/TMAG initiatives/successes/challenges in executive communications

Share TMxG initiatives/successes/challenges in executive communications

Provide visibility to lead with E-Group/Functional leaders

**Be Authentic and Open

- Genuine interest in the community and its mission

- Personal connection to diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives

- Willingness to learn and acknowledge areas for growth

- Provide feedback to leads in support of TMRG/AG communities betterment

- Provide feedback to leads in support of TMxG communities betterment

- Expect feedback from the TMRG/TMAG leads and community around exec sponsor role

**Choosing an Executive Sponsor:**

- Any E-Group or Functional Leader with the capacity to be an executive sponsor for a TMRG/TMAG will be the first to be allocated as an executive sponsor.

- If an E-Group or Functional Leader is not available for executive sponsorship, TMRG/TMAG leaders can identify a VP level team member to be their executive sponsor. This nomination by the TMRG must be approved by the E-Group in the E-Group weekly meeting.

- Any E-Group or Functional Leader with the capacity to be an executive sponsor for a TMxG will be the first to be allocated as an executive sponsor.

- If an E-Group or Functional Leader is not available for executive sponsorship, TMxG leaders can identify a VP level team member to be their executive sponsor. This nomination by the TMxG must be approved by the E-Group in the E-Group weekly meeting.

- Alternatively, the TMRG/TMAG can ask the DIB Team to assist with identifying a suitable Executive Sponsor.

- The Chief of Staff and/or Executive Business Administrator will assist in .

- That as leaders of the business you are setting the standard for participation for the wider team.

- That TMRG leaders feel valued and that they are at the height of belonging at GitLab.

## Benefits of TMRGs and TMAGs

## Benefits of TMxGs

In general, TMRGs are an excellent support system and key to providing awareness, respect, and building diversity, inclusion and belonging within the workplace. These groups are a proven way to increase cultural competency, retention of team members, provide marketplace insights to the business, attract diverse talent, and more.  The endorsement of TMRGs gives team members the opportunity to identify common interests, and decide how they can be shared with others.

In general, TMxGs are an excellent support system and key to providing awareness, respect, and building diversity, inclusion and belonging within the workplace. These groups are a proven way to increase cultural competency, retention of team members, provide marketplace insights to the business, attract diverse talent, and more.  The endorsement of TMxGs gives team members the opportunity to identify common interests, and decide how they can be shared with others.

### GitLab Benefits of TMRG and TMAGs

  - [Pride](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/tmrg-gitlab-pride/)

  - [GitLab Women](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/tmrg-gitlab-women/)

- **[Team Member Advocacy Groups](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmrgs-and-tmags-slack-channels)** (TMAGs) – TMAGs are groups that share common interests and work together to drive change on behalf of the community through education, action, and enablement across a specific need.

- **[Team Member Advocacy Groups](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmxgs-slack-channels)** (TMAGs) – TMAGs are groups that share common interests and work together to drive change on behalf of the community through education, action, and enablement across a specific need.

  - Mental Health – Coming soon

| **Set Expectations** | Be realistic and uphold your commitment. Share access to resources and people, but make it clear you do not wield your influence over others.|

| **Listen** | Establish [trust](/handbook/leadership/building-trust) and openness in communication. Give your full, undivided attention. Hear concerns before offering advice and guidance.|

| **Acknowledge Independence** | Recognize mentee goals and autonomy. Your role as a mentor is to guide; it's up to the mentee to decide what to implement in their own career. |

| **Respect Diverse Experiences** | Recognise that underrepresented groups might face additional barriers to advancement. Educate yourself and ask for advice and support via the [appropriate DIB channels](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmrgs-and-tmags-slack-channels). |

| **Respect Diverse Experiences** | Recognise that underrepresented groups might face additional barriers to advancement. Educate yourself and ask for advice and support via the [appropriate DIB channels](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmxgs-slack-channels). |

| **Practice Self-Awareness** | Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and [biases](/handbook/values/#unconscious-bias). Be aware of and respect other's experiences, ideas, and goals. |

| **Advocate** | Mentor others on being effective managers or colleagues to those who might have different experiences to them. Teach your mentee how to become a mentor themselves – by example and by encouragement.|

| **Express Gratitude** | Share openly about your experience. Express gratitude for the skills or experiences developed over time. |

During the [reference](#references) stage in the interview process, candidates will get the option to speak with a GitLab team member who is a member of our [Team Member Resource Groups](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#definition-of-the-tmrg---team-member-resource-groups) (TMRGs) to learn about what it's like working at GitLab from someone who they can relate to.

When you receive a reference form, you will have the option to opt-in for a conversation with a member of the [TMRG](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmrgs-and-tmags-slack-channels) of your choice. Our Candidate Experience team (CES) will then reach out and coordinate this Zoom call for you. You can also read about how we [field this request](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/).

When you receive a reference form, you will have the option to opt-in for a conversation with a member of the [TMRG](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/tmrg-tmag/#how-to-join-current-tmxgs-slack-channels) of your choice. Our Candidate Experience team (CES) will then reach out and coordinate this Zoom call for you. You can also read about how we [field this request](/handbook/company/culture/inclusion/).

### Interview Process FAQs