Making space for diverse voices and communities. |
Celebrated during the month of February, Black History Month acknowledges the history, achievements, and systemic inequalities experienced by the Black community. At the core of this month also lie many stories of tradition, community, and triumph that remind us of the importance of celebrating culture and recognizing the struggles of the various communities that make up our own. In honor of Black History Month, we encourage you to take some time this month to seek out these stories.
In this issue:
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- Podcast: A conversation with Afrita Davis on supporting DEI practitioners.
- A message from our Black Community Resource Group co-chair, Evan T. Green.
- Our AAPI Community Resource Group celebrates Lunar New Year.
- ICYMI: Creating a successful DEI interviewing process.
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Podcast: The need to support DEI practitioners
Working as a diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner brings both heaviness and joy. Overtime, it can take a toll. In this episode of Equity Conversations Podcast, we speak to Afrita Davis, a personal development coach, to explore the challenges of leading DEI work and her advice on how to overcome something many DEI practitioners feel -- a sense of isolation. We also discuss what trauma-informed workplaces look like – and how workplace systems and leadership are often the barriers to full inclusion.
Click here to listen now.
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Breakfast for Champions: Creating an inclusive hiring process
It is no secret that recruiting and hiring are lengthy and expensive processes. Individuals joining an organization have a great impact on the long-term culture and effectiveness of a team, and conversely, new employees are looking to join an organization where they will feel welcomed and empowered to leave a lasting impact. Unfortunately, this is not always how things play out. One challenge that has been identified by many companies, and is often at the root of a poor candidate or employee experience, is the lack of an inclusive and fair process when searching for, interviewing, and hiring candidates.
During our Breakfast for Champions: Inclusive Hiring session, award-winning DEI leader Elizabeth Laine walked us through five keys for developing processes that benefit both the companies looking to diversify their workforce and the diverse candidates joining these organizations.
Read the full session recap on our website.
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New to Partners in Diversity or considering membership? Learn all about our DEI programming
Join us on March 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. for a virtual presentation to learn all about the benefits and resources that come with becoming a member. Whether you’re seeking DEI workshops and programs, community building events, or networking opportunities, there are many ways to continue to leverage your DEI efforts and knowledge with our support.
This virtual meeting is ideal for new members, prospective members, or members who simply want a refresher.
To register contact Dorothy Chongkit at dchongkit@partnersindiversity.org.
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Save the Date: NW Equity Summit on September 26
Be Unapologetically DEI. Mark your calendar for Partners in Diversity’s 2nd biennial NW Equity Summit on September 26, 2023, at the Oregon Convention Center.
The conference focuses on helping employees and managers at all levels, as well as diversity influencers, be bold and uncompromising — in other words, unapologetic — when it comes to advancing and advocating for equity and inclusion. The Summit features national experts on topics related to championing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sponsorship opportunities are available now. If you want to show your support for DEI and showcase your organization’s commitment, contact Dorothy Chongkit at dchongkit@partnersindiversity.org. Ticket sales will begin during the month of May.
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For a complete list of job openings at member organizations, please visit our Career Center.
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Partners in Diversity provides an online space for nonprofits, public agencies and community-based organizations to share events and engagement opportunities that are relevant to communities of color. To view other community events or to post one, visit our Community Engagement page.
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Last month, our Asian and Pacific Islander Community Resource Group had the opportunity to enjoy a traditional lion dance performance at the Lan Su Chinese Garden to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Despite some light rain and hail, the Lee On Dong Association lion dance team gave an amazing performance. The group then headed to the Society Cafe to warm up and connect over a cup of coffee.
With the recent uptick in senseless violence affecting the Asian community, we are grateful to be able to create spaces like the AAPI Community Resource Group for communities to gather and heal. Our CRGs provide a safe space for people to celebrate culture, discuss community issues, and meet new friends. We currently offer CRGs for Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, and Native American communities. To register for a CRG, visit: https://buff.ly/36eTxxx
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A special thanks to our new and renewing members for their continued commitment to DEI:
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New Members
Gold Level
Christenson Electric
The Lemelson Foundation
Silver Level
Earth Advantage
Mac's List
Oregon Anesthesiology Group
Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office
Renewing Members
Cascade Employers Association
City of Salem
Clackamas Education Service District
Klarquist Sparkman, LLP
Melvin Mark
Miller Nash LLP
Northwest Pilot Project
OCHIN
Oregon Humanities
Pacific Power
Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette
Portland Opera
Portland State University
Pride Disposal Company
SOLVE
Taylor Morrison
The Collins Foundation
The International School
The Oregon Community Foundation
Volunteers of America Oregon
Wieden+Kennedy
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Month of February: Black History Month
Jan. 22 – Feb 22: Lunar New Year Celebration (Chinese Year of the Rabbit or Vietnamese Year of the Cat)
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In honor of Black History Month, we asked Partners In Diversity's Black Community Resource Group co-chair, Evan T. Green, to share his reflection and insights into this important month:
Black History Month is an exciting time, however, never forget that Black history and Black excellence is a 365 day a year journey of knowledge. For all, Black History Month is a time to embrace Black culture, Black experiences and the impact Blacks have had on this country and on the world. Take this time to learn. Everybody is at a different point in their journey. Some need to hear and understand the traumas of the past, others need to focus on the present. Consume something that will make you get upset but use that anger and knowledge to have an impact on a system or structure. During this time, please don’t forget how far we have come despite how far we have yet to go.
Reflect on the greatness and the uniqueness of what it means to be Black. Black Americans hold a history beyond just slavery, they stand on the shoulders of giants. This is the time to learn about the contributions of folks from throughout the African diaspora and learn how despite object oppression, despite nearly 400 years of mass genocide, despite police killings and gun violence, and despite Oregon’s Black exclusion laws, that Black is beautiful, Blackness should be celebrated and appreciated, and that Black excellence is real, and it is experienced and illustrated daily in our world.
During this month, take the time to learn the negative history so we don't repeat it. Also take the time to learn about the excellence, learn about the people who have fundamentally changed our world and our communities despite the barriers placed in front of them. Learn about the Black diaspora and how it has impacted other cultures and communities. By the end of Black History Month, be filled with so much new knowledge that you will be forced to continue to learn throughout the year and carry that history with you. Push out of your comfort zone this month and educate yourself about people not named Martin Luther King or Malcom X. Learn about the MOVE movement in Philadelphia, Assata Shakur, or maybe learn about Máximo Gómez. Take the time to challenge yourself and your current knowledge.
I will spend the month refocusing and identifying how I can utilize Black excellence to continue to make this world and community a better place for myself and my child while also understanding we are a communal people and as such I cannot do this on my own. I implore you to work together among Blacks and with others outside our community.
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