Oxy’s Post

As we celebrate #PrideMonth, it's essential to remember that being an ally doesn't end when June does. True allyship means standing with the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, advocating for equality, and fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Here are a few ways to practice allyship all year long: +Listen and Learn: Hear the stories and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Understanding their perspectives can help us become better allies. +Speak Up: Challenge discriminatory remarks or actions, whether in the workplace or elsewhere. Silence can be interpreted as acceptance. +Support LGBTQIA+ Organizations: Volunteer your time or donate to causes that advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being. +Create Inclusive Spaces: Whether at work, home, or in social settings, strive to create environments where everyone feels safe and included. Let's make allyship more than just a moment—let's make it a movement! #Allyship #Pride2024 #EqualityForAll #InclusionMatters #LGBTQ #LGBT #LGBTQIA2+

As we approach the celebration of Juneteenth on June 19th, it's important to reflect on its historical significance and the lessons it imparts for our ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) efforts. Juneteenth, a combination of "June" and "nineteenth", commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. This was two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is the oldest known celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. Recognizing Juneteenth is not just about acknowledging a historical event, but also about understanding its relevance in today's context. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of racial equity and justice. It places Black people at the center of the conversation about freedom, its meaning, and manifestation in this nation. In the context of DEIB, Juneteenth is a significant reminder that marginalized groups often face microaggressions, bias, and other obstacles in the workplace. Recognizing Juneteenth contributes to a more diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment. As we observe Juneteenth, let's commit to making a difference. Let's strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Let's continue to learn, grow, and work towards a more equitable world. 🌍 #Juneteenth #DEIB #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Belonging

Watch this video of our very own CEO Louis Lopez on KENS 5 talking about Hispanic Heritage Month, what it means to him, and what the YMCA is doing about diversity and inclusion. ✨ #DiversityandInclusion #HispanicHeritageMonth #YMCA #CEO #forabetterus https://lnkd.in/gHpWhG4e

What has a #poem to do with #justice #equity #diversity and #inclusion find out and read what torbjorn has come up with

This would be an empty virtue signal without an action plan. My action plan to defend rainbow equality is to make meaningful connections with people of influence who are open to learning more about what this would mean to my family, to vulnerable youth, and to the community as a whole. Education is power. Relationships are everything. These are conversations that desperately need to go offline and find humans gathered around the campfire. If you would like to connect in good faith, have a meaningful discussion and find common ground to advance a shared understanding of the value and necessity of rainbow equality, let’s put our intentions to action, together.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, marking the true end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is more than just a day of celebration; it's a time to reflect on the struggles and resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice. It's a reminder of the progress we've made and the work still ahead in the pursuit of equality. As we commemorate this day, let's commit to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities and workplaces. Let's amplify voices that have been silenced and support initiatives that promote social justice and equality for all. #juneteenth #diversity #inclusion

This short video is a poetic demonstration about what Allyship is not. Allyship is a lifelong process of building and nurturing supportive relationships with underrepresented, marginalized, or discriminated individuals or groups with the aim of advancing inclusion. It is NOT stepping in and speaking “for” the group in which you do not belong. When we do that, we further alienate and reduce their power. It is a fine line between speaking up, speak on behalf of, and speaking instead of. Let’s be mindful not to take someone’s voice in an attempt to be supportive. Instead, invite voices to the table and don’t replace them with your own. Makes spaces for other voices to speak and be heard and be respected. That’s the definition of inclusion. Now, check out the video.

DYK? October is Community Inclusion Month! This year the theme is the importance of including people living with developmental disabilities into all aspects of society, including the opportunity to live independently, to have equal access to health, employment, cultural activities, recreation, and sports. What does inclusion look like in your community? https://loom.ly/Bs9YOW4

#PrideMonth includes many important celebrations, like #PrideParades! Curious to learn more about the history of these parades across the country? Check out this great video from PBS: https://hubs.li/Q02B5SpB0 #Pride2024 #LGBTQ+ #Activism #Celebration

This latest article is more of a prayer, a hope, and a guide for aid organisations to fully embed all of the preconditions they need to proudly say that they are fully invested and able to implement diverse SOGIESC inclusion in their organisations. Of course, things don't always work in a linear fashion, and there are people inside organisations that do individual projects that are inclusive of individuals and specific communities, but that doesn't make an inclusive organisation. Many steps take energy, resources, expertise, and years of hard work. But what a great time to focus on what you can do as an aid organisation than Pride Month.