Hello friends,

As someone who passionately identifies as a Neurodivergent, Queer, Latina Woman, and a proud member of both the WomenNow and Pride communities, I'm excited to introduce you to a concept that has truly transformed the way ServiceNow fosters inclusion and advocacy – Community Belonging Groups.

Back in 2020, my good friend Paige Duffey and I started WomenNow. Our goal was to lift women’s voices in the community, and our group has flourished together in the past three years into an amazing and supportive community. One day I realized how much I wished there was a similar group, but for Latines, and one for those in the LGBTQIA community, and this group and that group. I became overwhelmed at the urge to create all of these groups myself. I felt compelled to make this happen so others could have the same experience that women have had through WomenNow.

But just like my friends have been telling me for years, I didn’t need to take this on myself all on my own. No matter how much I wanted to create these groups, I have a tendency to overwhelm myself and I wanted to do this the right way. I reached out to an amazing and inspiring human being, Mary Scotton, and asked for her advice. She suggested... “Why not ServiceNow?” At the time I was not an employee, and I was surprised by her suggestion. WomenNow had been an independent community, and to actually ask the company itself for their support felt like a stretch to me. I thought this was too small, too ambitious, to really be picked up, you see.

A while later, I got introduced to Celina Zamora, a Community Engagement Manager at ServiceNow. Getting to meet her and learn her story has been a privilege, and she has inspired me so much in the little time I've known her. She loved the idea, and we began working towards it. As I’m writing this, I'm honestly so surprised that we made it! She began shaping the abstract concept in my dreams into reality and after months of hard work, today is the day we go live!

I want to thank these ladies and everyone else who has made this possible. Thank you to the Community Leaders of each group for stepping up, thank you to our employee volunteers and community moderators for helping us make the communities thrive, and thank you to ServiceNow for providing us a space on the ServiceNow Community along with Celina’s time and efforts.

And thank YOU! For joining us in our journey together. Whether you become a member of one of the groups or are one of our steadfast allies, Thank you.

What Are Community Belonging Groups?

Community Belonging Groups are safe havens for individuals who share a common identity, experience, or passion. They are virtual spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to support, empower, and uplift each other. These groups address unique challenges, celebrate triumphs, and build a sense of unity that transcends boundaries.

The Community Belonging Groups are run by regular people in the community who have stepped up to lead and empower. They are private groups accessible only by approved members, and this blog area is going to be for advocacy and outreach to our allies. While each group has ServiceNow employee advocates helping to provide higher alignment, awareness, and partnership between the groups and ServiceNow, the Community Leaders and their moderation team will be the ones who run their respective communities. These groups are from the Community, for the Community.

Why Do They Matter?

These groups are more than just digital meeting places – they're platforms for change. They provide a space for individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories, and contribute to the larger conversation about equality, inclusion, and advocacy. Belonging groups empower their members to create a ripple effect of positive change, both within their organizations and in society at large.

How Can Allies Contribute?

You might be wondering: "I don't identify with these groups, so how can I contribute?" The answer is simple: as an ally. Allies play a critical role in advocating for change, understanding diverse experiences, and driving conversations that promote inclusivity. Your support can make a world of difference – whether it's engaging in thoughtful dialogue, amplifying underrepresented voices, or participating in initiatives that advance equality. Stay tuned to this blog for posts featuring our amazing community members and share these posts on your social networks - help amplify our voices so we may reach more people!

How do I join?

Membership into these exceptional communities is by application. We believe in fostering an environment where people can openly and authentically engage, and hence, you need to be a member of the community in order to join each group. If you're passionate about ServiceNow and excited to be part of a supportive community, we encourage you to apply for membership through the link provided below. Simply select the group you're interested in joining, then click on the request to join button.

Communities link: https://www.servicenow.com/community/community-belonging-groups/ct-p/CommunityBelongingGroups

What's Next?

Looking ahead, we're excited to share that we're working on a way for individuals to start their own Community Belonging Groups. This will allow you to create spaces for your passions, identities, and causes that matter most to you. Stay tuned for updates on the application process – we can't wait to see what amazing communities you'll build!

Stay Informed and Involved:

If you're interested in learning more about our advocacy efforts, outreach initiatives, and the incredible stories from our communities, consider subscribing to this blog. We'll be sharing future articles that shed light on the impact of belonging groups and how you can contribute to making a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the power of Community Belonging Groups. Your support means the world to us, and together, we're creating a world that embraces diversity and celebrates each individual's unique journey.