Introduction to Belonging
What does "Belonging" mean?
I am sure many of you have heard the term: DEI ( Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). This term has increasingly gained popularity over the last decade, which is a great thing and it can sometimes feel like a buzzword that is thrown around without much thought. People often use these words interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Diversity refers to the presence of a variety of different identities and experiences, equity focuses on fair treatment and equal access to opportunities, and inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By lumping these concepts together, we unconsciously dilute their individual significance. It's important to recognize and appreciate the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion to truly understand the power they hold.
Take, for example, a company that prides itself on its diverse workforce. On the surface, it may seem like they have achieved their DEI goals. However, if we look closer, we might discover that the power dynamics within the organization are skewed, with certain groups holding more influence and decision-making power. This lack of equity (fairness) can result in marginalized individuals not having a fair chance to voice their ideas or opinions. Without equity, diversity becomes nothing more than a superficial box to check. The word Inclusion is fundamentally flawed as it plays a crucial role here as well. A truly inclusive workplace encourages collaboration, embraces differing perspectives, and actively works to dismantle barriers that may prevent certain individuals from fully participating. So, it's clear that while DEI may be a catchy abbreviation, we believe it is more vital that we truly foster a culture of belonging.
Intention of this Training
The intention of this training is not to shame or blame. Instead this training is intended to serve as an invitation into hard topics. It is an invitation to examine what we know, what we believe, how we response and why. Only when we delve into these hard topics can we create change. Below is a beautiful summary of what we believe the intention of this training is:
"The intention is to help us understand the water in which we are all swimming so that we can collaboratively work together to build and sustain cultures that help us thrive as communities and individuals. Cultures that are not based on abuse of power and accumulation of profit. Cultures that are based on interdependence, justice, and respect for each other and the earth and wind and sun and stars. Cultures that embody the belief that we all do better when we all do better" ~ Tema Okun