Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: Journey Forward
A Prescription for Managing Through the Current Crises Fabian J. De Rozario, GlobalConnect Enterprises LLC >> Bonus! View extended article on Associations North website We are facing several crises in our nation. Here are six ideas to help us heal and progress – as an individual and as a society. Human Connection & Reliance Our experiences of being sheltered-at-home have underscored the importance of the human connection. Regardless of the distances and difficulties, we find ourselves connecting with those who matter to us. As humans, we need to feel that we belong. We depend on others - many who remain invisible and unknown to us - and yet these people contribute to our quality of life. Farmers who grow our food, the driver who delivers packages, scientists working on vaccines, etc. We rely on a vast mixture of people to live the life we cherish. Understanding The willingness and diligence to seek understanding is crucial – especially in these unusual and challenging times. We live in a world filled with a huge variety of people. This diversity presents limitless options that can be brought together for good. Caution! Differences can also divide. It is the power of mutual understanding that bridges this divide. As we all strive towards the American ideal of fair treatment for all, we must understand that some people are treated quite differently - for no other reason other than just showing up as the human being that they are. Strive to better understand the experiences that others have, and the impact that it has on their families and communities, and the impact on our common humanity. Manage Biases and Stereotypes When a stereotype is combined with deep-rooted disdain, it can have horrifying consequences. The heartbreaking deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others compel us to examine the role of ingrained biases that result in the withdrawal of personal restraints, leading to the senseless deaths of human beings. These shocking events have shaken the core of our American values, revealing too many that racial biases are embedded in our common culture.
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Manage your biases and stereotypes. You are not responsible for your first or reactive thought, but you are responsible and accountable for your consequent thoughts and resulting actions. Appreciation Be appreciative and grateful. Never take things for granted. Despite the difficulties you may be facing now, I invite you to examine what you do have. Even in these difficult times, there are things that you can be thankful for. Live life with gratitude. It will lift your attitude. Your attitude will determine your altitude. New & Renew During this period of “shelter-at-home” and the nation’s distress about racial inequity, find ways to seek understanding and take initiative towards better outcomes – for your family and for your community. The many ways you can think of in dealing with the “NEW” are ways towards “RENEWAL.” Renewal requires opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and feeling. The life journey will always present us with new challenges and opportunities that call on us to refresh, to rejuvenate and to renew. Resilience A wise preacher once said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” Resilience means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences. Stories of our heroes and even our personal experiences have shown us that we can be adaptive, we can recover, and we can be resilient. Resilience is the ability to thrive instead of being traumatized. It requires being centered in your purpose and your moral compass, using these to drive through difficulties and to achieve the results you want to see. These six ideas spell out H.U.M.A.N. ℞. Consider these ideas as medicine we need in our “human race,” the prescription, a remedy for us to heal ourselves and our communities – together.
