Definitions: What Counts?
One of the most common questions from TMxG leaders is:
“Does this count?”
This page provides clear definitions so you can plan and track with confidence, without over‑engineering your programs.
TMxG types
Team Member Resource Group (TMRG)
Identity‑based communities organised around shared characteristics or life experiences (for example, race, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, disability, caregiving, global location).
They:
- Provide community, advocacy, and leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Are open to members and allies, unless an event is explicitly marked as members‑only.
Team Member Advocacy Group (TMAG)
Cause‑based groups organised around inclusion topics that benefit the whole company (for example, Mental Health, Generational Understanding).
They:
- Focus on awareness, education, and advocacy.
- Are also open to members and allies.
In practice, TMRGs and TMAGs follow the same expectations and governance; the distinction clarifies focus, not workload.
Members vs allies
- Member – A team member who identifies with the group’s focus (identity or topic).
- Ally – A team member who supports the group’s mission and wants to learn.
Unless clearly marked as a members‑only safe space, TMxG activities are open to both members and allies.
Three activity types
1. Monthly community engagement activity
Requirement: At least 1 activity per month.
Purpose: Keep your community connected and visible.
What counts:
- Social or listening calls (even long‑standing ones already on your calendar).
- Async Slack discussions or Q&A threads.
- Cultural celebration posts or storytelling threads.
- Coffee chats or “office hours” for your community.
Does not require:
- Formal presentations.
- Large attendance.
- Budget or complex logistics.
Rule of thumb: If it brings the community together and takes <30 minutes to plan, it likely counts as your monthly activity.
2. Quarterly initiative (pillar‑aligned)
Requirement: 1 initiative per quarter aligned to one of the three pillars:
- Career Development – mentorship, skills workshops, leadership panels, career development series.
- Community Engagement – larger gatherings, cultural observance events, cross‑TMxG events.
- Allyship – educational sessions for allies, listening sessions, storytelling events.
Examples:
- A 60‑minute Pride Month panel.
- A cross‑TMxG workshop on interviewing skills.
- A storytelling session during Disability Pride Month.
Important: A single cultural observance month event can count as both your monthly community engagement and your quarterly initiative.
3. Annual allyship activity
Requirement: At least 1 allyship‑focused activity per fiscal year.
What counts:
- Storytelling sessions where members share lived experiences.
- Listening sessions designed for allies to learn and ask questions.
- Cultural learning / “Did you know?” educational sessions.
- Allyship workshops or campaigns.
This activity can also be your quarterly initiative for that quarter.
Common “Does this count?” questions
Do cultural observance month events count?
Yes. They are strongly encouraged. One well‑executed event can:
- Satisfy your monthly community engagement, and
- Count as your quarterly initiative, and
- Often fulfil your allyship requirement if designed for allies.
If we collaborate with another TMxG or a pod, do we all get credit?
Yes. For joint or intersectional events:
- Each participating TMxG and/or pod can count the event toward its quarterly initiative and monthly activity (if applicable).
- This is one way to share planning work and increase reach.
- When you log the activity, list all TMxGs and pods involved in the shared tracker.
Do existing recurring calls count?
Yes. If you already have a monthly social call or regular check‑in, it can count as your monthly community engagement activity. We want to recognise what you’re already doing, not create busywork.
How complex does a quarterly initiative need to be?
Not very. A single 30–60 minute session is enough if it is:
- Planned ahead;
- Clearly aligned to one pillar; and
- Communicated to your community.
If you’re still unsure
If you’re not sure whether something counts:
- Check the examples above.
- Ask yourself: “Does this build community, advance careers, or foster allyship?”
- If you’re still unsure, reach out to your DIB partner or ask in
#diversity_inclusion_and_belonging.
For detailed planning flows and examples, see the internal TMxG Leaders Resource Hub in Google Drive.
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