We've committed to educating ourselves, so what's next? This month, Sarah Shaffer, Business Operations Manager, led the PPMC staff in reviewing the past 12 months of content we've consumed together to educate ourselves on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We discussed the following questions:
- How did you feel a year ago?
- How do you feel now?
- What has shifted for you personally? What has shifted for you professionally?
- Do you feel like the PPMC is making connections to its mission and values?
- What does future implementation look like for the PPMC?
This discussion was key for us to address our emotions and reflect on what we've learned together. For me, it was particularly interesting to reflect on what has changed in my life. What I have learned over the past year has added another lens through which I view things, both personally and professionally. Opening my eyes to the systemic issues in our world and the rampant fear and prejudice that others experience has made me more empathetic. It has also given me a different perspective when publishing information and completing communications work for the PPMC.
To be clear, there is so much I still have to learn, and a lot that I may never understand.
What I can do is try. And I can use the opportunities I do have to help create a more inclusive environment for all people.
So this week I asked myself, "How can I move forward in my role at the PPMC? What can I do to help people feel like they belong?" This is what I'm working on:
- Improving alt text on our website to make it accessible for everyone, regardless of visual or auditory need
- Using the PPMC blog and DEI resource page to create more opportunities for having open conversations, sharing our experiences, and providing resources
- Keeping myself and my team members accountable to provide thought leadership where it is appropriate and to speak up when we have the opportunity
This journey isn't easy, but it's important. We've committed to educating ourselves, having hard conversations, and doing what we can in our space. Are we keeping up with that commitment?
I encourage you to check in on your personal and professional commitments to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in your communities. We can work together to create a better environment for future generations.