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“NYC Create in Place” acknowledges the vital role the creative sector plays in making New York City the magnetic and inspiring global hub that it is. This new program at NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is an important step in addressing long-standing affordability challenges by helping this community find resources, navigate bureaucratic requirements, and connect with potential partners who are committed to the presence of arts and culture. #NewNY https://lnkd.in/g5p6PyNF

**Challenging Misguided Narratives: DEI and the Los Angeles Fire Department** Recent discussions have surfaced around the inclusivity initiatives of the Los Angeles Fire Department, highlighting a troubling trend where some voices in the media mischaracterize DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts. A segment of conservative rhetoric has targeted the department's messaging, leading to a larger debate about the true intentions and benefits of DEI initiatives. Instead of fostering divisiveness, DEI aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, are respected and have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. The heart of DEI is to build stronger, more resilient communities through diverse representation and inclusive practices. In the context of critical services like firefighting, diverse teams bring a range of perspectives and solutions to complex challenges, ultimately enhancing public safety for everyone. Misinterpreting these efforts obscures the significant progress made in creating more equitable work environments and effective organizations. It’s essential that we voice the true narrative: DEI isn't about exclusion or favoritism, but about creating a fair platform for all. By broadening our understanding and engagement with these concepts, we invite innovation and unity in tackling the multifaceted challenges we face. What are your thoughts on how DEI initiatives have impacted community services in your area? #DEI #Inclusivity #CommunityStrength #PublicSafety #DiversityMatters #EquityInAction

In an ever-evolving conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and engage with this community. As I step into my new role as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance (DEIC) with Prince William County Schools, I’m reflecting on the purpose and impact of this work. In a rapidly shifting landscape, it’s more important than ever to champion inclusivity, build equitable systems, and create environments where every individual feels valued and empowered. Recent developments, including policy changes at the federal level, remind me that this work is not just about programs or initiatives—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every voice, regardless of background, has a seat at the table and that our communities thrive through collaboration and respect. I’m proud to serve in a role that allows me to align organizational progress with the principles of equity and inclusion, and I’m committed to leading with innovation, compassion, and strategy. I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals, sharing insights, and learning from others who are just as passionate about shaping equitable futures. Let’s build a community of purpose-driven change-makers who rise to meet these challenges together. Here’s to the work ahead—because when we lead with equity, we lead with strength. 💡

Please join me for my Diversity Suite titled Intersectionality. In this presentation, I will cover the following: "The construct of intersectionality notes the premise that human experience is jointly shaped by multiple dimensions such as race, gender, education, or working style. Intersectionality is a theoretical framework wherein consideration of heterogeneity across different intersections of identity dimensions is integral to understanding health and social and workplace experiences. Individuals cannot be adequately understood through a one-dimensional lens. To understand the worldview and diverse experiences of others, it is imperative to examine how intersectionality shapes and molds individual identity.    Participants will: ●     Understand the impact of various diversity dimensions and how they shape an individual’s worldview. ●     Explore the role of privilege and oppression through an intersectional framework. ●     Learn the ADDRESSING Model for conceptualizing human experience including the workplace experience. ●     Complete an assessment to better understand intersectionality in the workplace." https://lnkd.in/gxZTw3Mw

With Black History Month, International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month just around the corner, we've be co-working with new and returning clients in planning well in advance for context-specific team-building sessions. These aren’t your average workshops—they’re: 👉🏾 Educational: Grounded in frameworks and knowledge. 👉🏾 Engaging: Bringing teams together through curiosity and dialogue. 👉🏾 Action-Oriented: Focused on ways forward that can make a tangible difference. We’ve also added 7 brand-new sessions to our portfolio of 30+ sessions via Bloom Academy, tailored for organizations with a goal to deepen their DEI impact. 🤝 The Role of Men as Allies: Equip men to actively support gender equity through allyship, advocacy, and meaningful action. 🧠 Building Inclusive Environments for Women at Work: Create environments where women feel safe to voice ideas, challenge norms, and lead authentically without fear of backlash. 👥 Unpacking Gender Bias in the Workplace: Identify and address unconscious gender biases that influence decision-making, promotions, and team dynamics. 🧶 Supporting Women in Leadership: Strategies to create pathways for women to ascend to leadership roles, focusing on mentorship, sponsorship, and equitable practices. 👋🏾 Black Mental Health and Wellness at Work: Acknowledge the toll racism can take on mental health and discuss ways to create supportive, wellness-focused workplaces. ❤️ Allyship for Black Employees: Equip employees with the tools to support and advocate for their Black colleagues through meaningful allyship. 🌱 Understanding Systemic Racism: Dive into the systems that perpetuate racial inequities and learn strategies for dismantling them in workplace practices. The good news is: We still have some slots available for #BHM sessions in February! Please reach out to Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh to book in your learning experience. If you’re interested in exploring how Bloom can partner with your team in the coming months, don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or connect with me directly. We’d love to hear from you about sessions you’d love to see added to the roster. We may not be able to add them all but we’d love to hear from you! www.buildwithbloom.com cc: Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh Elisha Gray Agnes Tseng Erica Peres Rita Alma (she/her)

Inclusivity in the arts is vital; creativity thrives when we make space for a variety of voices, experiences, and stories. In this article, Rebekah Abbott MA (Cantab), PGCE, FRSA discusses how we can foster more inclusive approaches to board recruitment in the arts, heritage, and culture sectors. https://lnkd.in/eJneuMPZ

At Teaching Matters, we've developed a framework for bringing culture diversity into the classroom to promote equity, inclusion, and social justice for all. The "4R Framework" is rooted in our guiding principles of rigor, relevance, relationship, and reflection. Our Elevating Voices program reflects our commitment to facilitating meaningful conversations across cultures so students can extend their knowledge beyond the classroom and into their communities. Read more about our 4R Framework here: https://lnkd.in/eCVth4Nu

Interesting article by William Chamberlain around working in a place making context and our relationship with communities - whilst London has a very different context to the regions there is always principles that remain at heart of creativity and culture in the heart of our villages , towns and cities - worth a read 👇🏽👇🏽

The Boxser Diversity Initiative is concerned about the #Sarasota County Commission's recent funding decisions, particularly regarding the exclusion of important community programs like the Embracing Our Differences, Inc. exhibition, the Chalk Festival, and WSLR+Fogartyville. These programs play a vital role in cultural enrichment and community engagement in Sarasota County. While we appreciate the Commission's support for arts and cultural initiatives with $2.1 million in #tourist tax dollars, we believe excluding funding for these programs may overlook their significant impact. Embracing Our Differences, for instance, attracts hundreds of thousands of #visitors and promotes #humanrights and diversity through artistic expression. We urge the Commission to reconsider these decisions and ensure equitable support for all community programs that foster #dialogue and celebrate #diversity. Cultural diversity and artistic expression are essential to our community's fabric, and inclusive funding decisions will better reflect our shared values of tolerance and cultural vibrancy. Please read the op-ed from Embracing Our Differences, Inc.'s Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer: https://lnkd.in/e6rPdG2e The Boxser Diversity Initiative remains committed to advocating for fair and inclusive funding practices in Sarasota County.

LISC’s Economic Inclusion Agenda is elevating the voices of local communities to ensure their needs are met and strengths are amplified. In Chicago, LISC and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council are joining forces with city-wide economic and workforce development organizations to help the Southwest Side thrive. Watch to learn more about the Back of the Yards neighborhood and what the start of the Economic Inclusion Agenda means to its community leaders.