Inclusion Intentions Aren’t Enough: We Must Take Action

When it comes to creating inclusive environments for everyone – places where each and every person, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, sexuality or type of position, feels comfortable, respected and valued – each of us has personal intentions on how we’d like to get there.

Problem is, intentions aren’t enough.

We must do the work. Perhaps at no other point in time has this been more crucial.

The Journey to Inclusive Environments is a LONG Haul

And I don’t have to tell you: it can be hard work.

Undoing centuries of white, male, heterosexual, and cisgender privilege can’t be done in one or a few work sessions. Commitment is necessary to accomplish meaningful, sustainable change.

“Good intentions are not enough; commitment and sacrifice are necessary.”

-Laurence Boldt

I’ve been witness to organizations that have been in it for the long haul – and have seen the rewarding results. It shows the wisdom of the old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

I’m here to help you every step of the way – and am thrilled to present a brand new, comprehensive professional development opportunity that will help deepen your capacity to create meaningful, lasting change at your organization:

RE-Envision 2020: A Virtual Conference on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

It’s a powerhouse of information for inclusion, packed with videos, worksheets, and resources that will empower you to go past good intentions – and work towards greater inclusion in real time. And, you’ll always have knowledge at your fingertips because you get LIFETIME access when you register.

What Are Your Inclusion Values and Intentions?

In your work to dismantle barriers to true equity and inclusion and increase the capacity of everyone to partner for meaningful change, do you want to do any of these?

engage in meaningful, authentic dialogue
leave people feeling whole
motivate people to create greater inclusion in everything they do
support people to disagree with each other in respectful ways
demonstrate compassion and empathy
meet people “where they are” without judgement
stimulate insights, learning, and skill development

Yet, in your sincere efforts for inclusion, have you ever experienced less than productive intentions? Be honest! Have you ever had the desire to do any of the following? I have!

to win the argument
to get even, get someone back
intimidate the other person
to control how others feel about you
to control how others feel about you
to be liked, to fit in, be accepted
to force harmony
to MAKE them learn
to punish the other person

Hey, it happens. We’re not perfect and we all make mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from our missteps and use them as a springboard towards greater growth and understanding.

That’s why I’m here!

And that’s why I created RE-Envision 2020: A Virtual Conference on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Right now, with just about all conferences and in-person training events cancelled or postponed, this alternative is a flexible approach to comprehensive skill development that will deepen your professional capacity. Answers to most of your questions are no more than a click, a link, or a call away! Best of all, you get to enjoy LIFETIME access to this incredible set of resources.

Transform Less Than Productive Intentions with Authentic Dialogue

Here are a few quick tips for you today:

Being alert when interacting in groups by panning the audience and witnessing unproductive actions is a powerful first step to interrupt the negative behaviors and begin authentic dialogue.

Share and relate are two very effective ways to diffuse emotionally charged groups. Ask questions that open the door to folks expressing and relating their experiences, such as:

-What insensitive or racist thoughts do you still have?

-What are 5+ ways you see people benefitting from white privilege?

-What are 1-2 examples in the past two years when you have acted based on some racial stereotypes or racist thoughts?

Track #2 of my virtual conference, Interrupting Racism: Deepening the Capacity of Whites to Partner to Create Racially Just Organizations, will inspire you to choose courage as you:

Do the necessary self-work to recognize & interrupt internalized dominance
Identify racist attitudes & implicit biases at your organization
Analyze & revise policies, practices, programs & services to create greater racial equity

Because you need ALL the tools you can get your hands on to infuse inclusion at every level of your organization (especially in these times), consider signing up for this dynamic opportunity, RE-Envision 2020: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Conference. And remember – once you register, you’re entitled to LIFETIME access!

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

–Nelson Mandela