The GMB is in the process of developing a national scholarship program to equip GMB members from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds with the skills, tools and confidence to campaign and organise around race in their region and challenge race discrimination where they see it.
What is the GMB Race Achievement Scholarship Programme (GRASP)?
GRASP is a GMB positive action initiative developed to respond to the Dr Elizabeth Henry Report 2003, Recommendation 6:
A positive action programme that includes expanding and promoting opportunities for black and minority ethnic groups to participate at all levels of the GMB. May involve, shadowing, mentoring and support training, proactive consultation with black and minority ethnic groups to understand needs and barriers
faced in becoming members and/or activists. Sets targets for inclusion, monitors, and reports progress.
Aim
The aim of the course is to train and develop Black Asian and minority ethnic activists to become highly competent and effective workplace leaders by:
- Equipping them with and enhancing their natural leadership, organising and campaigning skills
- Increasing their awareness and understanding of how to tackle racism in the workplace collectively
- Transforming them into active and effective GMB Race Ambassadors* with the ability to organise and campaign across different industrial sectors
- Building a comprehensive understanding of GMB organisational structures, principles and policies to enable them to confidently access opportunities within the GMB lay and employment structure.
Selection Criteria and Application Process
To be considered eligible for GRASP, participants must:
- Be a member of the GMB
- Have lived experience of being from Black, Asian or minority ethnic groups prone to colour prejudice and racism and that have historically and systematically been underrepresented.
- Have a good understanding of race issues in the workplace, evidence of raising issues on race or experience of fighting for race equality.
Course Structure
- 6 months (subject to change), part-time paid release
- Class-based learning
- Shadow placements within GMB
- Fieldwork based in workplaces
- Collaborative working with regional GMB teams
Those applying must commit to participating in the entire course.
We are hoping to finalise the application process for spring 2023 with a view to commence the course in October 2023.
Please look out for further updates.