Vision for DEI Moments
RAIN thought it would be useful to provide the Board and the Northbrook community our vision for the purpose of the DEI moment, how we intend to approach the DEI moment, and importantly, explain what the moment is not meant to be.
Simply stated, our vision is as follows:
One, to start conversations about what we can actively be doing to be a more welcoming community for all people, including those who currently live here and those who may move here in the future.
Two, we do not perceive DEI in the context of a national agenda, we see this as a human agenda, one that affects all people. Our hope is to shine a light on topics that some in our community may know little about.
Three, our DEI moments will be fact-based. We will strive to avoid lecturing or providing opinions.
Four, we acknowledge that the DEI moment is NOT and is not meant to be a deep dive into issues concerning diversity, equity and inclusion. We acknowledge that these issues are complex and addressing them requires much more time, effort and conversation than two minutes. Our goal is to create an opening for conversation and learning, by providing facts, asking questions, and reflecting.
Five, we will include a ‘learning/doing’ recommendation to supplement each DEI moment whenever possible
Six, we recognize that some may feel that mostly white people shouldn’t be the ones talking about DEI issues. We affirm that marginalized communities are more than capable of speaking on their own behalf. Rather, our intention is to lift up and amplify the voices of those who are disenfranchised by engaging in conversations leading to more inclusiveness.
Last, we recognize that talking about DEI issues and our conscious and unconscious role in maintaining the norm can be very uncomfortable. We hope that although our messages may at times cause discomfort, our overriding goal is to inspire curiosity, compassion and patience as we learn and grow together. We ask all those listening, “Why wouldn’t we want to learn more and do more?”
In sum, our hope is that the DEI moment is a catalyst for further learning and thinking about these complex issues as we celebrate our diversity and strive together to become even more diverse and continue to work on being an inclusive and equitable community.