The TooREL Organizational Culture Tree Framework uses the metaphor of a tree to help individuals and teams examine the beliefs, systems, behaviors, and outcomes that shape workplace culture. It offers a simple yet powerful way to reflect on the current state of an organization while envisioning a healthier, more welcoming, and people-centered future.

Download this complimentary overview below to learn more about the framework and how it can support meaningful conversations about workplace culture.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore Rooted in Care: A Self-Guided Workplace Culture Toolkit, Grounded in People First, Purpose Always™. This practical, user-friendly toolkit includes the TooREL Organizational Culture Tree Activity Worksheet, along with a collection of practical tools, guided reflections, and action planning resources designed to support advocates, leaders, teams, and organizations in building healthier, more welcoming, and people-centered workplace cultures.

This word search activity is perfect for staff convenings or training events. You can use it as a team-building exercise or an individual challenge. We all like a little "friendly" competition!

How to Play:

1. Distribute the word search page to all participants.

2. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes (depending on your available time).

3. Instruct participants to find as many words as they can within the allotted time.

4. At the end of the time, award prizes to those who have found the most words!

Suggested Prizes:

- Word search books

- Gift cards

_ Fun office supplies

- "Word Search Champion" certificate

This activity not only encourages friendly competition but also sparks creativity and conversation. It is a great way to get participants engaged, and promotes problem-solving and quick thinking. You can also encourage participants to work in teams to foster collaboration and enhance team spirit.

The time pressure adds an exciting element of "healthy" urgency, while the search itself encourages focus and attention to detail.

Whether participants are racing against the clock or collaborating with teammates, this activity helps break the ice or wrap up a day of difficult conversations and brings joy into the space.

* This word search page was taken from the Word Weaver: A StoryTelling Word Search Adventure, created and published by Arlene C. Vassell, Founding Director, TooREL Institute for Social Change. It can be purchased via the TooREL Shop, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble (online).

This handout offers a visual overview of implicit bias. Use it to spark courageous conversations about how bias manifests and to explore practical strategies for recognizing and addressing biases in both personal and professional settings, promoting equity and inclusivity.

Ask Yourself:

1. Is your workplace truly welcoming, equitable, and inclusive-- or is it toxic and oppressive?
2. Does your organization present a polished exterior while crumbling and struggling with internal challenges?
3. Are you ready to examine and uproot what's beneath the surface?

Let's begin by delving into five key areas that shape thriving workplaces:

1. Leadership & Decision Making
2. Communication
3. Employee Well-being & Wellness
4. Culture & Inclusion
5. Growth & Development

By reflecting on these areas, you can identify opportunities for growth and intentionally create more welcoming and supportive workplaces for all.

Download the handout below to see what's possible when you envision an inclusive and welcoming work environment.

After reviewing the handout, you may find it helpful to reflect on the following few questions:

• Which of the five areas feels strongest in your organization at this moment?
• Where might there be gaps between stated values and the values reflected in everyday practices?
• What might need to shift so that your organization's values are consistently reflected in practice, not just in language?
• Where do the biggest challenges or tensions appear?
• What conversations need to happen next?

Not sure where to start? We can help you assess where your organization currently stands and identify practical next steps.

At the TooREL Institute for Social Change, we specialize in supporting organizations through the critical process of transforming from toxic and oppressive work environments into inclusive, healthy, and thriving workplaces.

We partner with organizations to:

• Strengthen leadership and decision-making practices
• Enhance communication
• Prioritize employee well-being and wellness
• Cultivate values-driven cultures rooted in equity and shared accountability

After reviewing the handout, if you’re ready to explore what this work could look like in your organization, contact us at info@toorelinstitute.org to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. This conversation provides an opportunity to discuss your organization's goals, challenges, and potential next steps for cultivating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.

The ACV Self Disovery Framework is a transformative process designed to guide individuals toward personal and professional growth, healing and overall well-being. Its focus is on achieving emotional, spiritual and mental wellness through a structured approach. The Framework is divided into three distinct phases: Phase 1: Soul Work (Acceptance), Phase 2: Action Planning (Clarity), and Phase 3: Manifestation (Victory).

Phase 1: This phase centers on deep introspection, identifying the internal barriers that hinder personal and professional growth and development.

Phase 2: During this phase, the focus shifts to overcoming the obstacles and barriers identified in the first stage.

Phase 3: This is the phase of transformation, where internal work and action planning begin to manifest is tangible results.

Click the link below for an example of the Framework. The examples provided in this document is for illustrative purposes only. We encourage individuals to personalize the framework by integrating their own reflections and action steps for each phase, tailoring them to their unique experiences, goals, and aspirations.

For additional information about each phase, an easy-to-follow Implementation Guide, and a blank version of the document, please reach out to us at info@toorelinstitute.org.

Support With Eyes Wide Open...

As funding cuts threaten life-saving programs across the country, many people are reaching into their own pockets to support organizations working to end gender-based violence. This surge of generosity is both beautiful and necessary, but it calls for deeper discernment and courageous action.

I have donated. And I have shared posts in support.

But I have also witnessed a troubling pattern: requests for financial support from programs that have intentionally harmed Black women and refused to acknowledge or repair the harm, even when it was brought to their attention.

Now more than ever, we must ask critical questions about the organizations we support and the values they truly embody...

Full report currently available upon request. Contact us at info@toorelinstitute.org.