This week's club program focused on the topic of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and belonging. Club member Jonelle Bailey, who is very familiar with the topic and regularly involved in training others, led the discussion.
Jonelle explored with her fellow club members the definitions and examples involved with DEI, why it's important, and Rotary International's commitment to it. She helped us to remember that while some differences between people can be seen "above the water line", many more are likely to exist below it. It's important to realize that we can't really know someone just by looking at them.
People are diverse, and Jonelle enlightened us as to the many forms of diversity that we encounter, including gender, gender identity, ethnicity, age, generation, sexual orientation, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, appearance, socio-economic difference, mental health, disability, language and accent, physical health, education, political beliefs, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, thinking style, job role and function, and personality type.
Diversity is "the active practice of welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, orientations, and lived experiences into professional spaces."
Equity is "ensuring everyone has access to the same treatment, opportunities, and advancement."
Inclusion is "ensuring everyone in a workplace has a voice that is heard, considered, and valued when decisions are made and implemented."
Belonging is see when "an organization engages the full potential of the individual, where innovation thrives, and views, beliefs, and values are integrated."
Jonelle also enlightened us to the fact that, if people with disabilities were a formally recognized minority group, they would be the largest minority group (19%) in the United States."