In light of Factory Berlin’s statement and commitment to supporting and uplifting underrepresented groups of people prompted by the global activation of the Black Lives Matter movement in April, the idea of a group of members to represent Black, Brown, and people of color came to be.

The LIP Group or “Lifting Intersectional Perspectives” is a group of 6 (and counting) BIPoC community members from a range of backgrounds, supporting the Factory Berlin team and its community to be a safe(r) and welcoming space for everyone. As the group evolves, it will continue to include representatives from a variety of underrepresented communities, with a key mission to lift intersectional perspectives in the Factory Berlin community.

Objectives of the initiative

The LIP Group makes sure Factory Berlin holds themselves accountable on their journey to strive for equity for underrepresented groups within the community and beyond. The LIP Group aims to point out to Factory Berlin and its community any shortcomings and provides resources and advice when necessary. 

1. Together we want Factory Berlin to be a leading example of a safe space and a diverse community, as well as to set a positive example within the industry.
2. The LIP Group is here to amplify BIPoC voices within Factory Berlin and increase the representation of BIPoC bodies during Factory Berlin events and around the community spaces. 
3. Create an avenue for BIPoC and underrepresented groups to safely approach members of the LIP Group who can then give collective feedback to the Factory Berlin Team.

Functions of the LIP Group

• Firstly we will be challenging the Factory Berlin team to consider all perspectives in their decision-making, as well as when growing and shaping the community. The Group will provide resources and advice when necessary, highlighting to Factory Berlin and its community any shortcomings.
• The LIP Group is a safe group for BIPoC people to report any instances of racist or prejudiced behavior they may experience in the Factory Berlin community. The Group members are not counselors, but their aim is rather to share resources, refer you to trained professionals should you need that support, and create a safe(r) space for those who are more comfortable sharing their experiences with people from their own communities. You can approach the LIP Group on Slack or contact them anonymously by submitting this form.
• In order to bring more BIPoC people into the Factory Berlin community, the Group will be connecting the community to other underrepresented groups and underserved communities by way of events, partnerships, and other opportunities.
• The Factory Berlin stage needs more BIPoC voices and bodies on it, that’s why the Group will support the team in scouting truly diverse experts and thought leaders to share their stories and experiences with the community.
• Please note that the purpose of the LIP Group is not here to give advice and consultation on your company’s diversity and inclusion policy. For this, you should seek the support of trained professionals. 
• The long-term goal of the LIP Group is to work from an intersectional point of view, as the Group’s name suggests. They are starting in the current setup to ensure a stable foundation for the initiative but will soon expand to invite members of other underrepresented groups to join the discussions.

How to get in touch with the LIP Group

• Via Slack: DM @LIP Group Account to talk to any of the members of the group.

The Factory Berlin team will only be involved if you explicitly state so. This Group is an independent entity to create a safe(r) space for everyone to feel like they can speak up.

Resources for the BiPoC in the community

The following resources were kindly provided by members of the LIP Group. If you would like to see resources and initiatives added to this list, get in touch with the Factory Berlin team. 

Mental Health

• BAATN – for online therapy abroad; 
• Therapy for Black Girls – for online therapy abroad;
• Stephanie Cuff – black German-speaking therapist;
• Frauenkreise – offers intersectional therapy services;
• A comprehensive List of (QTI)BIPoC friendly (mental) health care practitioners in Germany – including help for what to look for if you want to search for yourself.

Programs and initiatives for BIPoC Founders

• Tech in Colour – a platform enabling community, access and visibility for Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Minority Ethnic female tech founders across Europe.
• Black in Tech Berlin – a community for the underrepresented in Berlin Tech.
• Google for Startups Immersion: Black Founders – central to the program’s success is collaboration and trust that founders build with each other through weekly stand-ups and peer-to-peer mentoring.
• Black Brown Berlin – shining the spotlight on Black and Brown excellence throughout the city. Their team provides a range of Thoughtfully Curated content aimed to inform, connect, and serve the black and brown community in Berlin.

Responses, initiatives, and resources for those fleeing the war in Ukraine

This list is a compilation of links and resources which was collected by the Factory Berlin community. xIf you would like to share an additional link to be added to this list, OR if you’re a member who is leading or involved into an initiative and would like to share it with the community, you do so directly on the #support_ukraine Slack channel. We will be monitoring the channel closely and update this article with any relevant resources.

Housing

• Housing/flat sharing form (hosts)
• Temporary accommodation (both hosts and guests)
• Airbnb’s Open Homes initiative

Employment

• Designers United for Ukraine

Open design opportunities

Impacted designers seeking work (ask the moderators for password)

Add a new job opportunity for designers

Add yourself to the list as an impacted designer

• Women Authors of Achievement Jobs

Offer Support

• Registration form for volunteers
• Trusted donation opportunities and resources to help the people of Ukraine

Receive/Share Critical Information

• Vitsche Berlin
• Other Helpful Resources