Building an Inclusive Environment Requires Effort
Building an inclusive environment requires more than just celebrating diversity events each month. In fact, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. However, on a positive note, it’s a start. Educating others about events with which they may not be familiar creates awareness and curiosity. Once there is awareness, individuals can begin to have a dialogue with others who may have completely different life experiences.
June is a month where some of the days that are acknowledged and celebrated include (but are not limited to) the following:
June 2 – Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
June 12 – Loving Day
June 18 – International Day of Countering Hate Speech
June 19 – Juneteenth
June 22 – Windrush Day
(Diversity Calendar 2024: DEI Inclusion Events, Cultural Months (diversityresources.com))
Reading up on the diversity events that are acknowledged each month to expand one’s knowledge is the first step in educating others. This is a building block to building an inclusive environment for all, but it’s only the beginning. The goal is to ensure that employees feel valued and respected by their subordinates, their peers, and their superiors at all times – and it runs beyond celebrating monthly diversity events. It takes work throughout the entire employee life cycle.
For more information on professional development and training in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, contact IntegriStar here.