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Writer's pictureAllyson Brown, MEd

What’s the Hype about “DEI?”

image that reads Belonging Equity Diversity Inclusion

If you’re reading this, you are probably doing DEI work without even realizing it.

Where there is people interaction, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at play.


Let’s take a look at what these concepts mean and how they impact the workplace.


Diversity: Representation. Recognizing and acknowledging the differences across

individuals and groups of people. We are all different with born and acquired identities

that cross race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion,

spirituality, and the list goes on.


Impact on the workplace: Simply put, diversity is good for business (really).


Equity: Access. The act of creating the appropriate resources for individuals within a

space for everyone to be supported in success. In the workplace, this may take the form

of having a career closet for new professionals to access professional dress attire at

reduced or no cost or providing education assistance for employees who want to pursue

work related credentials.


Impact on the Workplace: In its earliest form, creating access to resources

was an Human Resources thing but the responsibility belongs to all of us.


Inclusion: Belonging. It is human nature to want to belong to something outside of

ourselves. Inclusion as a concept means an environment is conducive to supporting

everyone in the organization as authentic and dynamic individuals. This means

cultivating a sense of trust, community, and shared expectations.


Impact on the Workplace: True inclusion is sustainable beyond the

presence of people. That is the magic it carries.


See? That wasn’t so hard…you are doing DEI work, after all!


DEI work really hits the road when you delve deeper into each of these areas, how much

does representation really matter and how much should my organization have? Am I

violating laws by incorporating DEI into our company? How do I know if my workplace

has reached a level of inclusion that is sustainable? These are all great and valid

questions. The answers to these questions require an understanding of the American

social structure, the power dynamics that exist and inequities that perpetuate. To create

a plan for progress means making time to reflect on the past. You can’t know where to

go unless you know where you’ve been.


Creating representation, access to resources and safe spaces for your organization is not as hard as it may seem.

Creating representation, access to resources and safe spaces for your organization,, is not as hard as it may seem. The best kept secret in being effective at working across

differences is…..we have to talk to each other. A tall order to fill for those who don’t

want change, are not open to change or even fear change but what we know to be true is the rapid pace at which the United States is growing and diversifying every year. More

people live here who look different, speak different languages, carry different beliefs,

think and move differently. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The time is always

right, to do what is right.” So regardless of what side of the conversation you’re on, DEI,

and its sister counterpart social justice, are really platforms to be good humans and

leave the world better than we found it.


Let’s explore these topics together in more detail in a series of upcoming online events.

Until then, we would love to hear what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you.

Leave a post in the comments.


 

image that reads diversity equity inclusion

Are you ready to expand your knowledge on diversity, equity, and inclusion? Well, look no further! Enroll in one (or more) of our upcoming LIVE DEI Workshops and embrace a world of understanding. Our courses are designed to provide you with the tools and insights to navigate the complexities of today's diverse world.


Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious, our friendly instructors are here to guide you on this journey. From exploring the importance of diversity in the workplace to understanding the historical context of inequalities, our courses cover a wide range of topics. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Let's embark on this transformative path together!

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