Welcoming America’s Post

🌐 Intersectionality and Intellectual Empathy ❤️ In this 🎥 from the SolidariTee Annual Conference - Outside In: Towards Broader Inclusion of Refugees and Displaced People, Teia Rogers discussed Intersectional Inclusion and the Moveable Middle – organisations that acknowledge the need for change but require structured guidance to implement meaningful actions. At JRNY Consulting, we categorise the organisations we work with into groups. The Moveable Middle is critical because it represents potential and possibility. These organisations are at a crucial point on their social justice journey where the right support can catalyse significant impact. We're so proud of our partners for their difficult and important work applying an intersectional lens to complex contexts. 💪🏾 Let's simplify intersectionality. It's any practice grounded in empathy and a caring and authentic ambition to understand the complexity of individual experience. If you're trying to be more intersectional, start there. Let us know how you get on.

Reflections on Leadership, Identity, and Equality in America As we approach a pivotal moment in our nation's leadership, it’s essential to underscore the value of our diverse identities and the ongoing dialogue surrounding equality in America. Each unique story contributes to the rich tapestry of our nation, and it is this diversity that makes us stronger. Growing up as a proud Hispanic American from Puerto Rico, I have experienced firsthand the complexities of being perceived as an immigrant in my own country. My family's commitment to service runs deep, with a legacy that includes military service and a long career in the United States Immigration Department. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the persistent struggles for equality—not just for Puerto Rico, but for all territories and their citizens. It is crucial for us to confront the historical realities of our relationship with Puerto Rico. The island was invaded on July 25, 1898, and many policies enacted since have gone unnoticed or misunderstood by a significant portion of the American public. As we navigate the current political climate, we must educate ourselves about these issues and acknowledge the rich history and contributions of all Americans, including those from Puerto Rico. Empowering individuals to voice their personal values and engage in crucial conversations fosters personal growth and contributes to the collective empowerment of our communities. It is through our shared stories and open dialogue that we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all citizens of the United States. I encourage my network to actively participate in these discussions and seek understanding beyond the surface. Together, we can work towards a future where every citizen feels included and valued. Your engagement is vital in shaping the direction of our nation, and support is available for those seeking personal growth or navigating recovery on this journey. Let’s collaborate for a brighter future, embracing the diverse experiences that enrich our society. Together, we can turn our vision of inclusion and equity into reality. #LeadershipDevelopment #DiversityMatters #Inclusion #SocialImpact #CulturalDiversity #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #Equity #PersonalDevelopment #ChangeMakers #GlobalPerspectives

Juneteenth: a pivotal moment in our nation’s history that marks the end of slavery and the beginning of a new chapter of freedom and opportunity. This day is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of those who fought for justice and equality. At the Georgia Center for Opportunity, our mission is closely aligned with the spirit of Juneteenth. We are dedicated to fostering strong families, thriving communities, and pathways to meaningful employment. As we honor this historic day, we are reminded of the importance of our work in promoting equality and creating opportunities for all. For the business community, this is a call to action to: 🔹 Support Workforce Development: Invest in programs that provide job training and placement services. 🔹 Engage with the Community: Partner with organizations like GCO to remove barriers and create opportunities for everyone. Together, we can continue the legacy of Juneteenth by building a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and commit to the work that still lies ahead. #Juneteenth #Equality #OpportunityForAll #WorkforceDevelopment #InclusiveBusiness #CommunityEngagement

We’re back with the 6 Principles for Inclusive Community Engagement! Step 3 is about emphasizing lived experience. Lived experience refers to the firsthand knowledge gained through personal circumstances and identity. As we can never fully see the world through someone else’s lens, we prioritize including those with lived experience to shape the process of engagement. This commitment to 'nothing about us, without us' ensures that the voices of those most impacted are central to decision-making.

In Belize, solidarity culture looks something like this. Everybody concern about fair treatment, but very few show up. Even when organizations meet in workshops and the state organize people and say we leave no one behind, the people in the room remain quiet. Even when fabulous statements are made at the UN or the OAS, the political representative returns home to do nothing. Even when organizations meet and verbally agree a problem needs to be fixed, they walk out the room and forget the collective informal agreement. We make no statements, that acknowledge the marginalised in the environmental sector, among unions, in the private sector, among indigenious groups, older persons or in disability spaces because our diversity of mandates do not permit. I argue that we have an obligation to amplify the needs of the marginalised if we believe in a people centred approach to our citizenship and development. I argue that every sector has interrelated issues that are structural or systemic. I argue that failure to acknowledge the marginalised is complicity by omission, inaction and indifference to uphold systems of oppression. Our mindset of what about me, needs to change to what about us. Anything less is unforgiveable. The struggle continues!

Honored to share Welcoming America's "State of Welcoming 2024" report – a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of the welcoming movement across the globe. This comprehensive report not only highlights the critical accomplishments of the past 15 years but also serves as a rallying call to build the future of welcoming with courage, conviction, and commitment. From the seeds of inclusion sown in 2009 to the flourishing collaborations that drive inclusive policies and programs today, the welcoming movement has woven a tapestry of belonging that transcends borders and embraces our shared humanity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rachel Perić and the entire Welcoming America team for this herculean effort. Their dedication to fostering communities where everyone can thrive and contribute fully is truly inspiring. As the report poignantly states, "Whether you are a community leader, an executive, a funder, a public servant, a parent, or a neighbor, you have a role to play in welcoming." Let us all embrace this call to action and continue building a world where inclusion triumphs over fear, resilience prevails over scarcity, and our shared humanity shines brighter than ever before. #WelcomingCommunities #BelongingForAll #InclusionMatters #FosteringInclusion #BuildingResilience #EmbracingDiversity #UnityInDiversity #SocialImpact #PositiveChange #LeadingWithEmpathy #GlobalMovement #CollectiveAction #SocialJustice #HumanRights #RefugeesWelcome #ImmigrantsWelcome #MulticulturalSociety #CulturalDiversity #BreakingBarriers #ConnectedCommunities #StrongerTogether #SocialCohesion #CivicEngagement #CommunityEngagement #DriveChange #InspirationalStories #LeadersOfChange #Changemakers #SocialImpact #MovementBuilding

Living a life in service to society entails dedicating oneself to actions that contribute positively to the well-being of others and the community at large. It means aligning personal goals and actions with the greater good, prioritizing the needs of others over self-interest. This can take many forms, from volunteering time and resources to supporting causes that address social, environmental, or economic challenges. One way to make life a service to society is by fostering empathy and compassion in everyday interactions. This means actively listening to others, seeking to understand their perspectives, and offering support when needed. Additionally, contributing skills and expertise to projects or initiatives that aim to tackle societal issues can make a significant impact. Furthermore, advocating for justice, equality, and human rights can be a powerful way to serve society. This may involve speaking out against injustices, supporting marginalized communities, and promoting policies that promote fairness and inclusivity. Ultimately, living a life in service to society is about recognizing our interconnectedness and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others, both locally and globally. It requires a commitment to empathy, compassion, and action, with the belief that even small efforts can create meaningful change.

🆕BLOG👉🏿Close the Gap Campaign on the recent Productivity Commission Review and much needed power shift and systems change ahead of National Close the Gap Day 2024 on 21 March. “When the Close the Gap Campaign advocated for and supported the long-awaited change – culminating in the current 2020 National Agreement – we did so understanding that the intention was to create a stronger focus on human rights, intersectionality, and a holistic systems-lens that elevates First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples know that systems change is a core component to progressing the socio-economic targets.” #blog #newblog #ClosetheGap #ClosingtheGap #NationalCTGDay2024 #JourneyTogether #SelfDetermination #ProductivityCommission #ACCHO

Equity and justice motivate us to do more and demand the best of ourselves. Learn more about how we prioritize social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at Pariveda: https://lnkd.in/g-R4rqwW

Did you know that today is World Day of Social Justice? In our society, there is still the need to build a more equal and inclusive world, and awareness days such as today help to highlight this. One of the many ways in which we can do this is through the use of co-production- ensuring that people have an equal say by collaborating with any services they use that directly affect their lives. Our Champions group explain more here: https://bit.ly/42O36vS [AltText: A blue, purple and green border with the Include logo in the bottom right corner. At the top, text reads: "Free Easy Read Series: What is Co-production?". Underneath this, an image of a group of people speaking and shaking hands. Two screenshots of the Easy Read sit to the right and at the bottom.] #worldsocialjusticeday #coproduction #easyread #equalopportunity #collaboration #partnership #inclusionmatters