Kelsey Mays
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just buzzwords. They are complex and critical issues that impact us all. In recent years, there has been a surge of attention around these topics, and it's no surprise why. We live in a diverse world, and it's essential that we recognize and celebrate those differences.
At its core, diversity is about recognizing and respecting differences among people. It's about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and celebrated. When we embrace diversity, we can unlock new levels of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. We can build stronger, more resilient communities, and foster a society that values and celebrates differences.
However, embracing diversity is easier said than done. It's natural to gravitate towards what we know and what's familiar. It's easy to fall into the trap of surrounding ourselves with people who look like us, think like us, and come from similar backgrounds. But to truly embrace diversity, we need to be intentional in our efforts to broaden our perspectives and learn from those who are different from us.
Consider your holiday party or fundraising event. Who is on the guest list? Are there people from different backgrounds and identities represented? If not, what steps can you take to make the event more inclusive? It's not enough to simply invite a token person or two from a different background. Instead, we need to actively seek out and invite diverse perspectives to broaden our understanding and build stronger connections with people who are different from us. Consider reaching out to organizations that represent diverse communities and inviting them to participate. This can be done by partnering with your local community or collaborating with businesses that are owned by people from diverse backgrounds.
But it's not just about who we invite to our events or who we surround ourselves with. It's also about being aware of the impact of our words and actions. Every word we use and every action we take sends a message, whether intentional or not. By being mindful of these messages and striving to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our lives, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Improving representation in our own spheres is just the beginning. It's an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort. We must be willing to listen to and learn from people who are different from us and be open to changing our own behaviors and attitudes. By doing so, we can help build a more inclusive and equitable world that values and celebrates differences, promotes equality and justice for all. So let's work together to create a society where everyone feels valued and celebrated, regardless of their background or identity.