Ameren Corporation has introduced "Discussion Across Differences," a series of videos and discussion guides that explore and encourage honest dialogue around the issues of diversity and inclusion. The materials – which Ameren uses for its own employees – are free to community organizations, businesses and other groups. They are aimed at helping organizations engage their teams in honest conversations about managing through crisis, fear and differences.

"We believe it's important for Ameren and the business community to continue to support the Ferguson Commission's recommendations to build a stronger region," said Ameren Corporation Chairman and CEO Warner Baxter. "We are offering these free resources as a way to partner with local organizations as we look to continue to build a better and more inclusive St. Louis."
Ameren developed the resources to help foster healing and promote inclusion across the St. Louis region. The Company announced the availability of the materials at a corporate retreat that was attended by Ameren's leadership team and members of the Ferguson Commission. At the retreat, Ferguson Commission members provided Ameren with an overview of activities and initiatives that have taken place since the commission's report was issued last year.
"We know these are not easy conversations to have; the purpose of these materials is to increase people's comfort with starting and participating in discussions related to diversity and inclusion," said Sharon Harvey Davis, Ameren Corporation vice president and chief diversity officer. "These resources have been effective in generating productive dialogue inside our organization, and we hope they can spur similar conversations in the broader community.”
The "Discussion Across Differences" materials help to foster attitudes and behaviors supporting racial equity, which was identified as a signature priority by the Ferguson Commission, and were developed with input from Ameren employees and community leaders.
"Discussion Across Differences" comprises a five-part video series that features conversations with selected leaders in the St. Louis community. Each video comes with a facilitator guide, participant booklet and presentation deck.