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Happy New Year, Readers! We hope that you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on 2018, whatever it brings. Each new year brings new resolutions, new hopes, and new fears. But this new year, I am reminded that intentionality is at the center of most, if not all, success, and in particular, it is at the center of our work to be more inclusive.

Take the pledge to live inclusively, and begin thinking about a few ways that you can incorporate intentional inclusivity into your daily life. Maybe it’s in the media you consume, the communities you belong to, the causes you support, or the relationships you build in the workplace, but whatever it is, do it in a spirit of hope – that your efforts will inspire a larger movement of authenticity and advocacy. Stay tuned for a more, and… Bring it on, 2018!

 

I commit to be intentional in living inclusively.

I commit to spending more time getting to know myself and understanding my culture. It is in understanding myself, that I am better positioned to understand others.

I will acknowledge that I don’t know what I don’t know, but I will not use what is unconscious as an excuse.

I will be intentional in exposing myself to difference. If I don’t know, I will ask. If I am asked, I will assume positive intent. Most importantly, I will accept my responsibility in increasing my own knowledge and understanding.

I commit to speaking up and speaking out, even when I am not directly impacted, for there is no such thing as neutrality in the quest for equity, justice, and inclusion.

I will strive to accept, and not just tolerate; respect, even if I don’t agree; and be curious, not judgmental. I commit to pausing and listening. I will be empathetic to the experiences and perspectives of my “others.” I will use my privilege positively, and get comfortable with my own discomfort.

I commit to knowing, getting, and doing better than I did yesterday – keeping in mind my commitment to live inclusively is a journey, not a destination.

Written by Brittany J. Harris, VP of Innovation & Learning, The Winters Group, Inc.