Flouracity

We’re incredibly proud to announce our recent certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Supplier Diversity Initiative. The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. According to the NGLCC’s groundbreaking America’s LGBT Economy Report, America’s estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners add over $1.7 trillion to the GDP and create tens of thousands of new jobs. We are honored to be a part of this group of LGBT businesses that are fueling the future of the American economy. (source: https://lnkd.in/gvNNZu-V) “When you decide to work with a certified LGBTBE business, you’re demonstrating your commitment to our community in a very tangible way that has an immediate impact on our ability to thrive as small businesses.” - Flouracity Founder, Tom Floyd Visit the NGLCC to learn more about the LGBTBE certification: https://lnkd.in/eW2kr9mz

This year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Honoring labor leaders like César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Luisa Moreno, it’s a time to recognize their fight against the exploitation of Latino communities and the change they sparked in labor reform through collective action. Yet, while significant strides have been made in breaking down barriers, Latinos today continue to face substantial challenges in both society and the workplace. For instance, while 25% of new businesses are Latino-led, many entrepreneurs still struggle with unequal access to capital and resources. Despite these hurdles, Latino businesses contribute over $800 billion to the U.S. economy annually, underscoring their critical role in driving America’s growth. This month, show your support for Latino-led businesses in your community and create spaces at work to learn more about Latino culture, while acknowledging that we still have work to do to create opportunities to ensure Latinos feel seen, valued, and supported every day. Below are some resources and tips to help you take action. #hispanicheritagemonth

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time to acknowledge the silent struggles the people in our lives may be facing. The workplace, whether in person or virtual, can be a source of unseen social and psychological pain. And while it’s hard to talk about a topic that feels deeply private, it’s hard to ignore the numbers: More than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, according to the CDC. That’s an average of one person every 11 minutes. Additionally, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, a not-for-profit educational organization based in Canada, estimates one suicide affects more than 135 people, including family members, coworkers, and friends. The truth is, we often miss the signs because we’re too wrapped up in work or just uncomfortable with the topic. But turning a blind eye won’t make the problem go away. You don’t need to be a therapist to help others. Be aware. Pay attention. When someone seems off, ask questions and really listen—especially when it feels easier not to. This month, don’t wait for someone else to act. Learn the warning signs, have a real conversation with someone, and share resources with your team. Here are some places you can start. #NationalSuicidePrevention

Thank you to everyone who attended our May 4th Open House in Geyserville to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. “People who feel judged because of an illness that is not in their control, in many cases, are made to feel guilty and ashamed, which means they don’t want to connect with treatment.” One of many powerful quotes from our panel discussion with D'mitra Smith, Larry Florin, and Mary-Frances Walsh, where we covered topics including: * The stigma that people living with mental illness face on a day-to-day basis. * The relationship between the cost of healthcare and the ability to get treatment. * What we continue to learn about mental health in the Black community. * How to set newly housed people struggling with mental illness up for success in both their homes and in their treatment. * The importance of reimagining mental health legislation, services, and treatment. Folks who attended our event also got to experience a Flouracity program designed to strengthen their conversations with others, sample treats from local Sonoma County businesses, and once again enjoy music from the one-and-only Ellie James. Are you wondering what you can do this month to support people struggling with mental illness? * Initiate conversations about mental health with the people you love. * Use resources like findtreatment.gov to seek treatment confidentially. * Leverage and support your local NAMI affiliate. #mentalhealth #endthestigma #flouracity

JOIN US According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. Show your support as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at our May Open House on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 am to 1 pm PT in Sonoma County. There’s no cost to attend, and all are welcome. There will be a panel discussion at 11:30 am PT to discuss what we continue to learn about mental health services, support, and treatment. Featured panelists include: - Dmitra Smith, Program Manager, Sonoma County Black Therapy Fund - Larry Florin, CEO & President, Burbank Housing - Mary-Frances Walsh, Executive Director, NAMI Sonoma County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Panel moderated by Tom Floyd, Founder of Flouracity While at our event, you can also: - Go on a Scavenger Hunt to learn more about Flouracity and yourself. - Participate in a professional development session to build new skills and strengthen your conversations with others. - Meet new people and build connections. Singer Ellie James will be performing as well. Register at flouracity.com/openhouses #mentalhealth #endthestigma #flouracity

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT We’d love to see you at our May Open House on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 am to 1 pm PT, where we’ll celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. Each May, organizations across the country celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by raising awareness, honoring loved ones, and providing support to those who are struggling with mental illness. Join us for a panel discussion at 11:30 a.m. PT with local leaders as we discuss what we continue to learn about mental health services, support, and treatment. During our event, you can also enjoy singer Ellie James, sample local Sonoma County businesses, and experience a Flouracity program where you’ll build new skills to strengthen your conversations with others. There's no cost to attend and all are welcome. Register at: flouracity.com/openhouses #flouracity #openhouses

Offsites require carefully designed and facilitated conversations to maximize your team’s time together.   When done well, they provide a place for leaders and their teams to have strategic conversations about the future, current challenges, and topics where commitment is needed for the team to move forward together.    Our playbook guides you through the five steps we use to design meaningful offsites. Download it today to learn best practices you can use while planning your team’s next offsite. https://lnkd.in/eytdcfBY #offsites #teams

According to Gallup, 57% of U.S. adults believe the country would be governed better if more women were in political office, which is more than double the percentage who think it would be governed worse. The good news? We’re seeing more women in elected positions in many places throughout the U.S., including in California, where Californians will likely be represented by a female majority in the state Senate for the first time in the state’s 174-year history. In our Women’s History panel discussion on March 23rd, one of the topics we discussed was the challenges women in elected positions face. Fundraising is a hurdle all elected officials experience and getting support from PACs, unions, and other organizations is critical. However, many people may not realize some additional obstacles women face as part of this process as well. Take a listen to the clip from our panel discussion below, where Ariel Kelley shares more about her recent experiences as a candidate running for the California State Assembly. Don't miss our next panel discussion on May 4th, which focuses on Mental Health Awareness Month. #flouracity #openhouses

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our recent Open House on Saturday, March 23rd! We had a great time celebrating the incredible contributions of women both nationally and right here in our local community. These photos capture the spirit of our March event well, with highlights including: - A thought-provoking panel discussion with Ariel Kelley, Larque Laura, and Gina Fortino Dickson - A Restorative Flow class by Studio Healdsburg - A soulful performance by Ellie James - Great beverages, food, and wine from Fermata Coffee, Inman Family Wines, Mercury Wines, Peche Merle Wines, and Red Bird Bakery. We'll share a few video clips from our panel discussion next week as well. #flouracity #openhouses

Did you know that only .5% of water on Earth is usable and available freshwater? Today is World Water Day, celebrated on March 22nd every year since 1993. It is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater. World Water Day works to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global water crisis. The World Water Day theme this year is ‘Water for Peace.’ Water has a ripple effect across many global challenges, from climate change to political unrest. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to get clean water from our taps as often as we like take it for granted. But those who have to fight for better water equality know how important water is to every aspect of life. People and ecosystems cannot survive without clean water, which is crucial for the survival of humans and the planet. Improving global water quality requires a combination of actions at local, national, and international levels. How can you help? Swipe below for actions you can take to improve global water quality. #WorldWaterDay