Darby’s Post

As we honor Pride Month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made, recognize the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and pledge to continue our efforts in creating a more just and inclusive society for all. Together, we can build a future where everyone can be their authentic selves, and equity in all aspects of life, including healthcare, is a reality. https://lnkd.in/eRwGpsxg https://lnkd.in/ejZsPCJ8

Happy Pride Month!!! 🏳️🌈 As we celebrate, let’s remember that Pride isn’t just about parades and parties; it’s about community, understanding, and taking action. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate Pride with your colleagues and friends: 🌈 Learn and Grow: Attend talks or workshops that focus on LGBTQ+ history and issues. Knowledge is the ally’s best tool! 🌈 Connect Through Creativity: Organize a get-together to create Pride-themed art or crafts. It’s a fun way to express support and add a personal touch to the celebration. 🌈 Support Through Giving: Identify and donate to charities that work tirelessly for LGBTQ+ causes. Every little bit helps! 🌈 Join the Parade: There’s power in numbers! March in your local Pride parade to show solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ rights. 🌈 Advocate for Change: Use this month to start conversations about inclusivity in your workplace. Encourage policy reviews to ensure everyone feels safe and valued. Pride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights. Let’s use this month to reflect on our progress towards equality and to recommit to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity every day. ❤️ #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #UnityInDiversity #StandWithPride #Inclusion #Diversity

Inclusion is like a muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets, and the stronger you can get. Over time if you lift enough, you find yourself capable of lifting all kinds of things. Here on LinkedIn I “lift” disability inclusion and I follow others who do the same. Collectively we move our frontiers by having an open mind, exploring, challenging assumptions & biases, learning, and sharing. We also practice and promote allyship. Nothing revolutionary there. In fact, advocates for civil rights, gender equality, and other flavors of inclusion are doing the same thing for their communities. And that’s my point – we are doing much the same thing. When one of us does better, we all do better. That’s why I am celebrating today! Fidelity recently received an Equality100 score for being a leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. The ground broken over the past few decades on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the workplace has made other forms of inclusion more intuitive. In fact, I believe disability inclusion would not be where we are today without the pioneering efforts and growing pains of decades of LGBTQ+ inclusion. So thank you LGBTQ+ inclusionists for your decades of leadership and thank you Fidelity Investments for prioritizing authentic #inclusion. 

As we wrap up Pride Month on July 1st, it's important to remember that Pride is not confined to a single month—it's a year-round celebration of diversity, acceptance, and love. 🌈 Pride Month may end, but our commitment to creating inclusive spaces and supporting the LGBTQ+ community continues daily. Inclusion isn't a trend; it's a fundamental value that shapes our workplaces, communities, and lives. Let's carry the spirit of Pride with us throughout the year by: 1. Advocating for Inclusive Policies: Ensure that our workplaces are safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 2. Educating Ourselves and Others: Continue learning about the experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Knowledge fosters understanding and empathy. 3. Supporting LGBTQ+ Initiatives: Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in events, let's actively support organisations that uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community. 4. Being Allies: Stand up against discrimination and be a voice for equality. Small actions can lead to significant changes. Pride is a celebration of how far we've come and a reminder of the work still ahead. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. #PrideEveryDay #InclusionMatters #LoveIsLove #YearRoundPride #LGBTQAlly

In the quest for equality and support, one stark reality often overlooked is the disproportionate underfunding of LGBTQ organizations. At The Trevor Project, we are acutely aware of this challenge, which a recent insightful article by my fabulous colleague, Tina M. Barber, MPA, in Philanthropy News Digest brilliantly brings to light. https://lnkd.in/gbsfHKaD This insightful piece sheds light on the challenges faced by organizations like ours and underscores the urgency for equitable funding. It's not just about maintaining operations – it's about expanding our reach to ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person who needs support can access it. I see every day how vital these services are and how much more we could achieve with increased support. As we continue our mission to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, I invite our partners and the broader community to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. #LGBTQSupport #Philanthropy #TheTrevorProject #InclusiveFunding

What do #diversity and #inclusion have to do with business? 🌈 Besides being a crucial social responsibility, inclusive workplaces benefit from a variety of viewpoints, leading to more informed decisions and a better understanding of diverse customer needs. 🎯 A bonus: When people feel included, they are more engaged, motivated, and loyal. Sounds like a win-win to me! How do you see diversity and inclusion reflected in your workplace? ✨

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in our workplaces and communities. Embracing DEI not only enriches our environments but also drives innovation and growth. This month, let's commit to learning more about the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, to understanding the challenges they face, and to taking action in support of their rights. Let's use this time to start conversations that matter, to share stories that inspire, and to build bridges that unite. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves and where equality isn't just a goal, but a reality. #PrideMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #EqualityForAll

🌈 Celebrating Pride Week: Embracing Diversity and Equality 🌈   Pride Week is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's history, achievements, and ongoing fight for equality. It’s a time to honor the pioneers of the movement, recognise the diversity within the community, and advocate for a future where everyone can live authentically without fear or discrimination.   Why Pride Matters: 1. **Honoring the Past:** Remembering the courageous individuals who paved the way. 2. **Celebrating the Present:** Embracing diversity and showing solidarity. 3. **Advocating for the Future:** Standing up against injustice and supporting equal rights.   Get Involved: 1. **Educate Yourself:** Learn about LGBTQ+ history and issues. 2. **Show Up:** Attend Pride events and celebrations. 3. **Support:** Donate to LGBTQ+ organisations and support LGBTQ+-owned businesses. 4. **Advocate:** Speak out against discrimination and support inclusive policies.   Let’s celebrate love, diversity, and the ongoing journey towards equality. Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈❤️ Maddison Clark Abigail Aitken #diversitymatters #inclusionmatters #Pride

At yesterday's West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce luncheon, leaders from five statewide LGBTQ+ organizations shared perspectives and strategies on how employers and community members might support a more diverse and inclusive workforce & workplace. Thanks to Iowa Safe Schools, Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, One Iowa, and Capital City Pride. And special recognition to panelist (and my friend/colleague) Dan Jansen, who serves as Board Chair of the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Curious to hear any of your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below: 1) How is your company fostering diversity and/or inclusion? 2) How are you or others in your organization championing inclusivity in aspects of work culture? 3) What initiatives have you found to be effective?

How does your company support its employees and the communities they care about? Take a look at McKinstry’s alliances and the impact they drive through the year.