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Tags Posts tagged with "DEI"

DEI

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Photo by Glodi Miessi on Unsplash

If you haven’t yet already made plans, there is still time to organize a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth for your colleagues and staff. Recognizing and honoring the significance of Juneteenth helps foster a culture of belonging within your organization. There are many ways to celebrate — see below for suggestions and ideas.

First, Understand the Background and History: What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday observed on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It marks the end of slavery and has been celebrated annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 into law, officially making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth is also known by several other names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

The historical roots of Juneteenth date back to the American Civil War. In early 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for more than three million enslaved individuals in the Confederate states. However, it was not until more than two years later — on June 19, 1865 — that this news reached the people of Texas, when Union soldiers arrived to enforce the proclamation. Upon learning of their freedom, African Americans in Texas began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, music, and dance, laying the foundation for what would become Juneteenth.

The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas on June 19, 1866. Early observances included prayer gatherings, the singing of spirituals, and wearing new clothing to symbolize newfound freedom. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since then, many other states have followed, and the day has become an annual tradition celebrated across the country.

How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Today, many Juneteenth celebrations include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. In some places, demonstrations and parades commemorate the day. These celebrations often include ways to honor aspects of African American culture.

While Juneteenth has immense meaning for the African American community, there is value for every person, regardless of race, culture or background, to observe this holiday. A celebration of freedom for any group is a celebration of the ideals that we value as a nation. Juneteenth is a day for all Americans to celebrate liberty, resilience, and strength. While participating and commemorating, we acknowledge the historical and somber importance of the day.

Why Should We Celebrate Juneteenth in the Workplace?
Celebrating Juneteenth in the workplace sends a strong message to African American employees, clients, and community members that the black experience, black history, and the struggles endured are worth acknowledging.

What are Some Ideas for Planning a Juneteenth Celebration at Work?

  • Recognize it as a holiday: Give employees paid time off, such as half a day, the whole day, an extended lunch, or early dismissal.
  • Educate employees: Share facts about black history, the ongoing fight for civil rights, and the issues black people face. Consider a “Did you Know?” Campaign.
  • Invite guest speakers: In-person or virtual sessions with experts in racial justice, civil rights, or DEI can share insights and personal experiences that inspire action.
  • Share traditional Juneteenth foods: If hosting a meal, include traditional soul foods on your menu. Consider providing a voucher to a local black-owned restaurant for staff who cannot attend.
  • Include celebratory music: Consider live music or a Juneteenth playlist.
  • Share media and reading materials: Connect and share around Juneteenth media and reading materials. Read a story or watch a movie or video as a group.
  • Support black businesses: Include black-owned businesses in your celebration.
  • Encourage participation in community events: Engage with your community in a productive way.

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Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash

What is Pride Month?
June 1 marked the beginning of (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York and celebrates the LGBTQ community and the fight for equal rights.

The Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a prominent gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The protests that followed are credited with a shift in LGBTQ+ activism in the US and is why Pride week is celebrated in June. In many cities across the nation, the celebration is now a month-long series of events.

Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

What does PRIDE Stand for?
“Pride” is not an acronym, but the LGBTQIA+ community comprises several identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Here are the definitions to know:

  • L: Lesbian
  • G: Gay
  • B: Bisexual
  • T: Transgender
  • Q: Queer, or sometimes Questioning
  • I:  Intersex
  • A: Asexual
  • +: Encompasses other identities under the rainbow umbrella

Why Recognize Pride Month at Work?
Celebrating Pride Month is valuable for organizations and teams.

  1. Promotes Inclusion and Belonging: Affirms the identities of LGBTQ+ employees and sends a clear message that they are seen, respected, and valued. It fosters a culture of belonging where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
  2. Reinforces Organizational Values: If your organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), celebrating Pride shows you are living those values. It’s a chance to demonstrate support beyond words.
  3. Raises Awareness and Education: Pride Month offers an opportunity to educate employees about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and challenges. This may encourage respectful and informed interactions among coworkers.
  4. Boosts Morale and Engagement: When employees feel that their identities and values are respected, it increases job satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty.
  5. Supports Talent Attraction and Retention: Today’s workforce, especially younger workers, tends to seek out employers who are socially responsible and inclusive. Supporting Pride Month can make your organization more attractive.
  6. Shows Allyship and Leadership: For straight (cisgender) colleagues, participating in Pride Month activities is a way to practice allyship. For leadership, it’s a chance to set the tone from the top, showing commitment to inclusivity as a core part of organizational culture.

View 28+ PRIDE Month Ideas for Work

View Pennsylvania PRIDE Events and Festivals

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Improving Patient Experience Through DEI Efforts
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 12:00 PM EDT

In today’s health care and human services landscape, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is essential for enhancing patient experience and care outcomes. Join Relias and Feedtrail to learn how DEI initiatives can transform care quality. Their expert speakers will provide actionable insights and strategies to help health care organizations integrate DEI principles into their daily practices, ultimately improving patient experience. Register here to participate.

Multi-ethnic multi-generation group of people from young children to 95 years old.

A Joint Initiative of the FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh:

Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
REGISTER
No cost, but registration is necessary.

This session addresses the relationship between race and disability and establishes a common language around intersectionality. You will walk away with insights into cultivating programs, practices, and an organizational culture that is grounded in racial justice, disability justice, and inclusion.

This webinar focuses on inclusive practices around disability and racial justice, led by Keri Gray, CEO of the Keri Gray Consulting Group.

Learn More

Weaving the Concepts of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion into the Fabric of Pediatric Rehabilitation: One Organization’s DEI Journey
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT;
10:00 am – 11:00 am MDT; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PDT
REGISTER

Penny Adams, MS-OTR/L

Speaker Bio:
Penny Adams is an Occupational Therapist and Inpatient Pediatric Therapy Team Lead on the Inpatient Pediatric Unit at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2004 and has worked at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital for the past 17 years, treating children of all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Penny drives her unit’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion efforts and skillfully engages her colleagues, patients, and their families in impactful learning activities.

Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will:

  • Summarize the importance of incorporating DEI activities into the pediatric rehabilitation environment;
  • Discuss strategies to improve staff and patient engagement in formal DEI planned activities;
  • Describe three practical ways to improve equity and inclusivity within a pediatric rehab environment; and
  • Review one multi-disciplinary rehab unit’s approach to year-long DEI programming.

Audience: This webinar is intended for all members of the rehabilitation team, including medical staff, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, licensed psychologists, mental health professionals, and other interested professionals.

Level: Intermediate

Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course.

Registration: Registration is complimentary for members of IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today. Multiple registrations per organization are permitted.