Typically, we use The Buzz as a medium to share The Winters Group’s perspective on current events related to equity, diversity and inclusion. Over the past week, much of our media coverage has been dominated by recent measures taken by newly inaugurated President, Donald Trump. In conversations with colleagues, clients, and friends, feelings like disappointment, uncertainty, and disbelief have become a common thread.
Immigration bans that target specific nationalities and religions are in direct contrast to the principles of D&I. Additional talk on building a wall and rhetoric that criminalizes people who are different are not a reflection of the strides we’ve taken to build a more inclusive society. Shifts from focuses on LGBTQ and civil rights to “law and order” feels like regression to many. So we ask you, this week, how are you feeling? How have recent events impacted your work? How will it impact your work? What more do you believe we can do?
We’ve found that having internal discussions has been cathartic for some of us.
Feel free to anonymously, share your thoughts below.
It feels more and more like a dystopian world each morning as I awake. However, we cannot lose faith in our better SELVES and we have to continue to so the important work, which I see as functioning at least at two levels depending on where you live, and what work you do.
1) Do not demonize the “opposing” side. We further deepen the divide and we certainly can’t reach the hearts of those who hold different worldview. Sadly facts don’t change minds and in a world of leaders who have gone to new lengths to obfuscate we are more challenged than ever before.
2) At the interpersonal level find ways to connect with those with whom you don’t agree and take a curious stance rather than an argumentative one. At the societal level of system find a cause you are passionate about and get involved. For my part, outside my day job of developing culturally competent leaders through our Master’s program in Diversity Management at Cleveland State University, I worry about civics. Americans are being taken advantage of b/c they don’t really know our history, our Constitution and our government. They don’t understand institutional racism, and all the other isms. They can be easily duped. This is true on both ends of the social/political spectrum. I want to help me understand how we got hear and the dangers of the direction we are headed. I’m speaking here as a private citizen, but I invite you to check out my program’s website too: http://www.csuohio.edu/dmp. Have a good weekend. Keep your brain nimble! Think till it hurts! Take care of your body b/c your heart provides you brain the nutrients it needs and when your less stressed you are more open to the opinions of others.