TIL+’s Post

Improving the Experience of Transgender Students on Degree Apprenticeships 18/6/2024 1-2.30pm Workshop style session examining key themes in the transgender apprentice experience: intersectionality, student experience, and resilience with Sarah Tudor, CMgr MCMI Book your place: https://lnkd.in/ekgNzEvY

Some exciting news! Nightlife United is a volunteer-run group that started during COVID to help support nightlife workers and small businesses. Driven by our continued commitment to uplift cultural workers, NU is proudly partnering with the NIVF - National Independent Venue Foundation on the VOX Workforce Development Program to guide the careers of tomorrow’s leaders in the Nightlife industry. To say that I'm proud of the team is a massive understatement. Please share or reach out to learn more or to become a sponsor for any of our initiatives. More about this program: VOX is a 4-month workforce development program designed for under-recognized groups in the industry (POC, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities), offering venue-specific training, an 8-week virtual gamification course, a 2-month paid internship at a host venue, and a 3-month mentorship with an industry expert. Here's to kicking off 2025 with positivity and focus.

Research is more than an academic exercise—it bridges students’ learning to real-world challenges. For LGBTQ2+ Studies minors, this connection is particularly vital. These students delve into the intricate intersections of identity, especially within the Central Valley, where issues of sexual orientation, gender, race, and immigration status uniquely affect LGBTQ+ individuals. Supporting this research helps uncover disparities while actively contributing to solutions for a more inclusive and culturally competent society. The LGBTQ2+ Studies Student Support Fund provides critical resources to help these students thrive academically and professionally. The fund enables access to educational trips, internships, conferences, and mentorship opportunities with LGBTQ2+ leaders, linking classroom learning with practical experience. 📚 Contributing to this fund empowers future advocates, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing equality. ✨ Every gift supports their pursuit of knowledge, growth, and the creation of a more inclusive future. This project has met their fundraising goal, but you can still support them throughout the month! Visit the link to learn more or make a contribution: bit.ly/3Yl5JUc

February was LGBTQ+ History Month, and as proud advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion all year round, February was just one of the many highlights in our DE&I calendar where we celebrated the diversity within our own workforce and called for greater commitment to DE&I principles everywhere. But that wasn't all. In February we also celebrated National Apprenticeship Week and the importance of building the skills of tomorrow's workforce today. As apprentices make up around 5% of our workforce, it was the perfect moment to thank everyone involved in making our apprenticeship scheme such a success - including our fantastic apprentices themselves! We also celebrated protecting 1386 square meters of rainforest by using coffee from The Office Coffee Company, introducing Waterblade as a sustainability option for clients (enabling them to reduce whole building water consumption by 5%), and teaming up with The Future Forest Company to plant a tree for every employee. Our Green Allies initiative has continued to support our clients in their journey towards Net Zero and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals throughout the year. What a month!

A trend I am seeing is that the larger corporations are looking at apprenticeships, as a way to bring in a huge variety of talent. Apprenticeships offer an already developed programme to help ALL talent succeed. And for Creative companies having that alternate outlook, or lateral way of thinking is essential to keep on the edge. We also produced a blog to help companies to be more inclusive. Might be worth giving it a read 😎. https://lnkd.in/eWDiF_Q7

So honored to have been a part of this experience and to share my story in this article!

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month! One of my favourite times on LinkedIn 🌈 I love seeing what organisations are doing to recognise and support the LGBTQI+ community, to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done. Diversity, equity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential ingredients for a thriving workplace. If you’re an ally like me and don’t know how to get involved, I would suggest starting with just x3 things: 1.     Take the time to learn stuff: Understanding the history and struggles of the LGBTQI+ community is crucial. Learn by googling or inviting your colleagues and friends to share. 2.     Support: Encourage open conversations and offer support. Even just say, happy Pride month! 3.     Celebrate: Whether its participating in Pride events, wearing a badge or lanyard, showcasing LGBTIQI+ stories or turning up to that morning tea – your visibility and action counts. And do it authentically. I love to see organisations celebrate love, diversity, and the diverse spectrum of human experience and may it continue beyond June always! 🏳️🌈❤️

National Inclusion Week is here! Let's take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to create an inclusive workplace. A Times newspaper article recently highlighted key steps to achieving inclusivity: - Listen more, talk less. Give others a platform to share their experiences. - Ask better questions. Understand the root of the issue. - Reflect on your principles. Be clear about your values and share them openly. - Build trust. Show empathy, compassion, and vulnerability. - Challenge at the right time. You can advocate for change strategically. - Read. Learn about diverse perspectives through literature. Together, we can foster a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Let's make inclusion a priority in our workplaces! #NationalInclusionWeek #Inclusion #Diversity #WorkplaceCulture #SocialJustice #thepowerofnow #ukmanufacturing #aerospace #apprentiships

As we celebrate this vibrant and empowering month, it’s important to remember the significance of pride and the impact it has on so many. Visibility & Representation: Pride Month provides a platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be seen and heard. Representation matters, and seeing diverse identities celebrated helps to normalize and validate the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. Community & Support: Pride events and activities foster a sense of community and belonging. They offer a safe space for people to connect, share their stories, and support one another. Advocacy & Education: Pride month is an opportunity to educate others and advocate for equal rights. It highlights the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. Self-Expression & Authenticity: Being able to be yourself without fear of judgement or discrimination is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Inspiration & Empowerment: Seeing others live authentically and proud can inspire and empower individuals to embrace their own identities. Continue to support and uplift one another. Not just during Pride month, but all year round. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and free to be themselves 🌈🏳️⚧️

Reflecting on the values of togetherness, kindness, and understanding truly resonates as we close out the year. Celebrating diversity and inclusion is more than a mission; it’s a continuous commitment to fostering environments where everyone feels seen and heard. It's inspiring to hear about the meaningful collaborations and partnerships you've had in 2024, working towards empowering individuals and organizations. As we move into 2025, let's continue to embrace the power of inclusion and champion the strength of diversity in every space we occupy. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey with you. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a year ahead filled with growth, connection, and inclusivity. What are some ways you plan to bring inclusivity into your work in 2025? #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment