Dear friends,
Most of us start each new year seeking inspiration and considering our intentions for the year ahead. It’s an annual chance for us to recalibrate, and ensure we’re headed in the right direction.
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) work currently faces its biggest threats in years. Many of us who do this work feel more discouraged and burnt out than ever, and we’re entering an election year with monumental consequences riding on the outcome. I hear from many that they feel like their dedication and resolve is being tested. But in this work, isn’t it always being tested?
I’ve been reflecting with my DAIP peers on how we can provide direction and assistance during this challenging time.
The truth is, this work will always be hard. The truth-tellers and those who seek progress will always experience pushback. We seek change, and a more just society. We aim to level the playing field within systems that were built to be rigged to help some, at the expense of others. This was never going to be easy, but we can’t give up.
Author Brené Brown’s words on the difficulty of this type of work resonate with me. In her book, Rising Strong, she says: |
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"“I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. [...] A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor. They just hurl mean-spirited criticisms and put-downs from a safe distance. The problem is, when we stop caring what people think and stop feeling hurt by cruelty, we lose our ability to connect. But when we’re defined by what people think, we lose the courage to be vulnerable. Therefore, we need to be selective about the feedback we let into our lives. For me, if you’re not in the arena getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback." |
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Like Brené, I’m going to stay in the arena and keep fighting (albeit, even if I’m getting my ass kicked). Although I know it’s going to hurt and when it’s going to require courage I may not always have. I’ll continue to choose that path, I’ll choose to stand in the arena, and I hope you’ll do the same.
Since 2009, DAIP has been in the arena with our members, facing the toughest of challenges head-on. Through this, we’ve remained a beacon for the burgeoning field of DEI. More organizations than ever are choosing to invest in DEI roles and training, but we have to hold them accountable.
Here is what DAIP already has in the works for 2024–efforts that are the result of ongoing conversations with our network of DEI and HR leaders regarding their needs and the needs of their communities.
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Free professional development and training opportunities to help you no matter where you and your organization are in your DEI journey.
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Widening DAIP’s community outreach to ensure that inclusive conversations are happening everywhere. Although we already serve a wide variety of sectors and industries, we’ll focus on expanding our programing to include new demographics, such as youth programs and Rhode Island’s aging population.
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Increased opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and networking to guide future waves of practitioners in this work.
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Launching a DAIP accreditation program for businesses and individuals to identify those who are truly committed to diverse, inclusive workplaces.
If we remove barriers for those who want to do this work, and support them once they’ve gotten their foot in the door, we’ll increase the number of folks and organizations using measurable, transformative DEI practices.
Join us! I’m calling on each of you to support this critical work by taking one of the following actions.
- Invest in our Community. Support our work so that we can offer critical programming and access to those who do this work day in and day out. Organizations can partner with us as a sponsor and grantor, and individuals can give personal donations. Donate now or join us on April 1st as we participate in #401Gives for the first time. Any amount helps!
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Get Involved. Join one of DAIP’s working board committees to help us serve our community. Our committees support our programming and events, communications efforts, and applying for grants—we’re always looking for folks to lend their skills and expertise to bring our vision to fruition. Email information@daip.us for more information.
I look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead to make Rhode Island a more equitable, accessible, and welcoming environment for all! |
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In solidarity,
Kevin Matta
President, DAIP board of directors
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Community Updates and Events
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Here is a roundup of events hosted by DAIP, our partners, or like-minded organizations.
Monday, 2/19, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Attend the 2024 Black Policy Month Symposium at the CIC in Providence, hosted by the Muse Foundation of Rhode Island. The event provides an opportunity for community advocates, policy makers and legislators to engage in thought-provoking discussions and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about black policy.
Friday, 2/23 from 7:30 - 10 a.m. Join the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) for their Annual Legislative Breakfast in celebration of Black History Month. Speakers Congressman Gabe Amo, Lisa Ranglin, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, and Nina Pande will explore “Closing the Racial Wealth Gap in Rhode Island,” and discuss increasing entrepreneurship, workforce development, and business ownership in minority communities. More info here.
Saturday, 2/24 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Attend the Black History Month Brunch at the Nonviolence Institute. Enjoy food, music, and guest speakers. Event is free and open to the public, but capacity is limited. More info here.
Interested in featuring your organization, event, or opportunity in DAIP’s Community Updates & Events? Reach out to information@daip.us to learn more.
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Thank you to all who contributed their time & expertise to this issue: Kevin Matta, Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Osmary Rodriguez Barker, and Katie Neves.
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