Pride Month ends, but diversity, inclusion are year-round goals
As business leaders in South Florida, we each represent a critical thread in the vibrant tapestry of organizations working together to support our community’s education, health and economic infrastructure. One of our essential responsibilities as Broward County champions is to be at the forefront of the diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEAI) movement to create an inclusive and welcoming South Florida for all. DEAI is more than a once-a-year celebration or acknowledgment; I am calling on each of us to ensure the DEAI ideals are interwoven into our very existence as institutions. By promoting workplace and community authenticity year-round, we can help make Fort Lauderdale a freer and more equal place to live, work and play.
What can DEAI look like for your company? Here are three ways to get started.
Add a diversity statement to your mission
Expand your mission to include a diversity statement that explains your commitment to DEAI. For example, here’s what we included at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS):
We welcome individuals from all walks of life to visit, experience, connect and discover inspiring science. We support all family structures, creating a culture of hospitality where diversity is celebrated. Our doors are open to everyone: individuals and families with physical and emotional disabilities and disparities in education, social and economic status. We embrace our truly diverse community of various ethnicities, religions, gender identification and sexual orientations.
Include your key constituents in the development of this statement to reflect the voice of the people and ensure buy-in. Clearly state your values.
Infuse DEAI into your plans, strategies and tactics
Make an organizational commitment to inclusion, reaffirming that commitment as a goal of your strategic plan, similar to the No. 1 goal of our museum’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which states, “Engage our community and expand our impact by providing substantive, memorable and accessible experiences.” From a tactical standpoint, this means infusing a “MODS for All’’ mindset into our daily planning and operations; creating an inviting visitor experience for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community and those with varying abilities and income levels; promoting diverse hiring practices; offering enriching staff training and leadership; providing specialized programming for individuals with sensory needs; furnishing on-site amenities such as an all-gender restroom and nursing station for moms; and ensuring that the entire community is represented. Staff evokes understanding and acceptance of diversity; all are truly welcome here.
At MODS, our programming and partnerships are key to providing access and an authentically welcoming environment. Leaders can use these examples to spark ideas for their own organizations. Reach underserved students and families in the most underserved ZIP codes.
Host cultural celebrations representing the diverse community.
Partner with schools and universities to provide unique experiences at no cost or internships that develop workforce skills for those underrepresented in local industries.
Offer specialized programming or make specific accommodations for individuals with sensory or autism spectrum disorder.
Offer technology and programming for individuals who are hearing or physically impaired.
Provide discounted or free admission to underrepresented communities, veterans and active military families.
Provide access to social service agencies, children and families with limited resources to enjoy our area’s cultural institutions. Think beyond your walls by delivering programs out in the community, thereby eliminating the need for transportation, one of the most critical deterrents to accessibility.
Think broadly about access, including vulnerable populations such as seniors lacking mobility or isolated due to the pandemic.
Engage your partners
The impact of DEAI in your organization can be amplified by your existing partnerships, networks and new contacts. Partnerships strengthen our ability to provide inclusive programming.
Through partnerships with local business and government leaders, we ignite conversations and create action. For example, Opening Doors is the umbrella initiative for MODS’ accessibility programs, launched in 2018. Our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community was shaped and supported by an advisory task force composed of 20 dedicated LGBTQ+ community leaders and advocates.
Now more than ever, it is imperative to center equity and inclusion in decision-making, to take collective action to raise the voices of the most vulnerable and to reach out and open doors wherever we can. Fort Lauderdale is a community with a long history of collaborative efforts, including public and private partnerships that make a difference. We are in a solid position to make decisions grounded in equitable principles and collectively work differently than before. Join us in reimagining our community as one where everyone feels welcome. Starting now.