Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter – Aug 2021
August is National Win with Civility Month
Civility is a polite act or expression (as defined by Merriam-Webster). When it comes to demonstrating civility, Johanna Owenby said “[it] means showing regard for those around us and being thoughtful, courteous and polite.” Sounds like common sense, right? Unfortunately, it’s too often overlooked. Therefore, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to bring attention to civility, as a reminder to treat coworkers, family and others with respect and common courtesy.
Looking Ahead – The D&I committee has partnered with SHIFT HR to strengthen our D&I efforts and awareness. Online courses will be coming soon. One of them will focus further on civility…Creating a Culture of Civility & Respect in the Workplace.
Ways to participate in Civility:
- Say hello to five people.
- Be courteous on public transportation and offer your seat to an elder or someone in need.
- Remember to say please and thank you.
- Be patient with others.
- Set a positive example for others.
- Leave a fair tip when dining out.
Make a Difference
Here are 5 tips on civility that you may find helpful in the workplace.
1. Pay Attention.
Simply being observant and considerate can go a long way toward making others feel valued and appreciated. You don’t need to nose into someone’s personal life, but always have an awareness of what those around you may be going through, especially if you’re a supervisor.
2. Acknowledge Other People.
Make time to recognize others, whether by remembering someone’s name or congratulating a team member, and always be mindful of when you have a reason to thank someone.
3. Be Inclusive.
No one likes to be left out. If you realize you’ve unintentionally excluded someone, be honest about your mistake and apologize. Everyone deserves to feel welcome and part of the team.
4. Respect Even a Subtle “No”.
One of the most basic rules of respect is accepting another person’s “no,” even if they don’t say “no.” This is especially important in conversations between supervisors and team members.
5. Be Respectful of Others’ Time.
Be careful to not send the message that your time is more important. A common mistake is demanding immediate attention by showing up or calling unannounced. Always make it safe and possible for the other person to pick a better time. Be aware of how you manage your time and avoid creating emergencies for others.
Information was gathered from the training course “Promoting Civility in the Workplace.”
Take the Civility Pledge
I pledge my commitment to personal reflection and assessment of my conduct as I strive to do my part to build a more civil society – one in which each person is respected and public and political discourse are aimed at the betterment of our communities, our state and our nation. I will respect other’s rights to hold different opinions; strive to understand differing perspectives; avoid rhetoric that humiliates and belittles others; speak out against incivility and act to promote respect for all people.
(Pledge from teachersfirst.com)
Non-Profit Spotlight:
Teach For America
1.3 million students drop out of high school in the United States. More than half are students of color, and most are low-income. Students from low-income families drop out of high school at twice the rate of upper-middle and high-income families, according to a 2019 study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Teach For America works toward excellence and equity for all. They recruit outstanding and diverse leaders to become TFA “corps members” who commit to teaching for two years in a low-income community. Corps members are employed by local schools and confront both the challenges and joys of expanding opportunities for kids.
After two years, corps members become part of the TFA alumni network. Many continue teaching while others pursue other leadership roles in schools or launch careers in other fields that shape educational access and opportunity.
Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
JANUARY
- International Holocaust Remembrance
- Poverty in America Awareness Month
FEBRUARY
- Black History Month
MARCH
- National Women’s History Month
APRIL
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
MAY
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
JUNE
- LGBT Pride Month
- Juneteeth
JULY
- French American Heritage Month
AUGUST
- National Civility Month
SEPTEMBER
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members
- Rodney Nubin, Chair Socius
- Artavia Clay, Socius
- Eric DeRose, Socius
- Rick Grimes, Professional Risk Solutions
- Patrick Hanley, Socius
- Hayley Philips, Socius
- Eric Shapiro, Socius
- Nichole Ward, Socius