Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Post

This week's 'Start Where You Are' Challenge: Look up how cultural observances are celebrated. As we wrap up Celebrate Diversity Month, this is a good time to be mindful of how cultural observances are celebrated. We see holidays and observances on our online calendars and we likely scroll right by the ones that aren’t familiar or hold a particular meaning for us. But seeing them is actually a great prompt to expand our awareness. Consider making it a habit to look up holidays or observances as they pop up on your calendar. Take time to look up not only their significance but the common practices for recognizing them. This is an important distinction because understanding the associated practices could help you understand activities you see around you but don’t typically pay attention to. For example, it took me years to make the connection between the surge in restaurants’ fish sandwich commercials in the spring and the traditional Catholic practice of not eating meat on Fridays during Lent. It’s also helpful to understand dietary restrictions associated with some observances to ensure that you offer appropriate options during office gatherings, for example. Other observances may also impact our colleagues’ availability to participate in social activities during certain times of the day or year. These oversights have likely had impacts for colleagues you work closely with but you didn’t have the knowledge to pick up on them. All of this information is right at our fingertips - we just have to make good use of it! New information and new considerations can go a long way in making people feel seen and honored. And we all benefit from having a better understanding of the diversity around us. REMINDER: Follow the ‘Start Where You Are’ blog on MEDIUM: https://lnkd.in/g6kXV7C #startwhereyouare #diversityequityinclusion #diversityequityinclusionbelonging #inclusion

By celebrating Pride Month and ensuring inclusive workplaces, Cece Cox, CEO of Resource Center, showcases the benefits these practices bring to the business community. Dive into her thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/g5FnjrgP

Juneteenth marks not just the end of slavery, but the enduring spirit of resilience, freedom, and hope. It reminds us of the long journey toward equity and justice, and the importance of continuing that journey in every aspect of our lives, including in business and federal contracting. While I wear many hats, I strive to embody the principles of equity and inclusivity in each of them. Understanding this holiday is formally celebrated today, let us find ways to create impact all year long. A few ideas come to mind: Promote Diversity: Actively seek out and support diverse suppliers and contractors. A diverse supply chain strengthens our community and promotes innovative solutions. Champion Inclusivity: Create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This starts with leadership and permeates through every level of the organization. Mentorship and Sponsorship: Offer mentorship and sponsorship to underrepresented groups in business. Sharing knowledge, resources and access to revenue-generating opportunities can help break down barriers and create additional and potentially unlikely opportunities for others. Advocate for Policy Change: Engage in policy discussions and advocate for changes that promote fair practices and equitable opportunities in federal contracting. On this Juneteenth, let's honor the past and commit to a future where equity is not just an ideal but a reality. Together, we can build a business community that reflects the true diversity and strength of our nation. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #EquityInBusiness #FederalContracting #DiversityAndInclusion #WeSucceedTogether #BeTheChange

Embracing Values, Empowering Lives at St. John's Community Care 🌟 At St. John's Community Care, our foundation is built on a commitment to respect, diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. These ethical values are not just words; they are the guiding principles behind our innovative business and technology solutions. 💡 Prioritising Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Our diverse and inclusive community is a testament to our commitment to embracing differences and fostering a sense of belonging for all. 🤝 Opportunity and New Work Styles In our pursuit of excellence, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for growth and development. Our innovative approach extends to creating new work styles that reflect the evolving needs of our community, ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive. 🌍 Personalised Support Services for Every Journey From daily activity assistance to mobility support, behaviour management, and emotional well-being, our personalised support services cater to the unique needs of individuals and families. We understand that each journey is distinct, and our comprehensive care is designed to promote independence and enhance the quality of life. 👥 Community-Centric Care Our mission goes beyond providing services; it's about building a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Together, we create an environment that nurtures personal growth and celebrates the richness of diversity. 🌟 Join us on this journey of empowerment, where values lead the way and every person's story is celebrated. #StJohnsCommunityCare #EmpowerLives #DiversityandInclusion #CommunityEmpowerment

Today is World 🌎Social Work Day, and the theme is "Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change." #WSWD2024 🔸Read more about the theme ➡️➡️ https://ow.ly/Zat250QM62B. 🔹Learn more about the history of World Social Work Day here➡️➡️ https://ow.ly/78fS50QM62C

Today is World 🌎Social Work Day, and the theme is "Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change." #WSWD2024 🔸Read more about the theme ➡️➡️ https://ow.ly/QLEX50QM62w. 🔹Learn more about the history of World Social Work Day here➡️➡️ https://ow.ly/AAqu50QM62x

As we approach Truth and Reconciliation Day, we're called to reflect on the profound impact of historical and ongoing injustices against Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This day serves as a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to acknowledge the past, educate ourselves, and actively work towards a more equitable future. In honor of this important day, I'm dedicating my next month to an in-depth exploration of Indigenous experiences at work. October’s article will delve into the unique challenges being faced by Indigenous Peoples in today’s workplace, and explore opportunities for fostering truly inclusive work environments that respect and celebrate Indigenous heritage and wisdom. To ensure this work authentically represents Indigenous voices and perspectives beyond the peer-reviewed literature, I want to extend an open invitation to individuals of Indigenous heritage. Your voice is the most important one. What aspects of Indigenous workplace experiences should be highlighted? If you want to share, I want to listen. Your input is instrumental in shaping an article that not only raises awareness but also provides actionable strategies for organizations committed to meaningful reconciliation and inclusion. It is my aspiration that this works will provide support to employers who want to pave the way of endeavouring to cultivate a truly equitable and safe environment in modern day North America. Let’s engage in this crucial conversation together. We all have a place in contributing towards workplaces that honor the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and contribute to the broader journey of reconciliation. Please reach out to me at workwellnessboutique@gmail.com to share your insights or make a request for key points that should not be missed. If you are not of Indigenous/Metis/Inuk/First Nations decent or otherwise of heritage which has been impacted then please make a note in your email to say you are simply sharing an outside opinion. Thank you for your consideration in this endeavour to educate myself more deeply in navigating all aspects of work wellness with due expertise and dedication to ongoing mastery in a field that is my honour and privilege to work in. Today I would like to respectfully acknowledge that I live on the unceded lands of the Sylix People.

Social workers partner with people to address personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives. They work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers celebrate differences and the social work role itself is incredibly diverse. Social workers may support clients through:  - one-on-one counselling and case work; - group work; - community development; - advocacy; - policy; - research and education. Social workers are trained to listen to people and support them to address personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives. #WorldSocialWorkDay2024

As we enter the colder seasons, in the West- it becomes grey, dark, colder, and gloomier. We hunker down and begin to hibernate. We bundle up and life slows down. In South Asian countries + communities however- we begin to prepare for our most festive season. We usher in light. We adorn ourselves. We gather and cook. We dance in groups. Our energies rise. We connect with the divine. We celebrate with boundless joy. This is why providing PAID cultural leave is so critical. Understanding the pathways from which people arrive at work- is critical to retention. It's a start to building respect, safety and belonging. HOWEVER... As an immigrant-settler living on unceded territories, I recognize this initiative must FIRST begin with removing the organizational barriers and challenges faced by Indigenous staff as they connect with culture and community. It has to start here. Reconciliation requires an acknowledgement of lost, erased, silenced and stolen Indigenous cultures. Paid cultural leave begins the conversation. And while ours is a shared path, and our liberation woven together- we are simultaneously responsible for the decolonization of colonial structures and systems, that we benefit from as settlers. I own it. #TruthAndReconciliationEveryDay

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲. Each year, it reminds us of the need to build fairer, more equitable societies. Let’s find ways to combat inequality and advance justice. 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. 🔔 Help us build more inclusive and equitable workplaces by examining the disclosure in the workplace. Join our research here: https://lnkd.in/dbi_Yq4U