Diversity and Inclusion Day

January 21 from 12 – 3 pm Life Center

Since last April, a council of residents and staff have been meeting to focus our attention on issues around diversity and inclusion.  We seek to live further into the beatitudes campus Promise to value and welcome all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.  We believe that each of us can not only make a difference but BE the difference to help create an environment where we can bring our whole selves to our community.  We hope to create and sustain a culture where every employee can come to work feeling comfortable, accepted, and set up for success–a community that residents call home where they feel a sense of purpose and value.  The Action Council is excited to invite YOU to our first annual Diversity and Inclusion Day next Monday, January 21st in the Life Center.  From 12 noon to 3 p.m. there will be a variety of presentations and activities and we hope you will come participate any time that afternoon.  A glimpse of what we have planned: 1. Celebrate your unique identity and culture by finding your place of origin on a world map and realize how globally connected we are; 2. Share what diversity and inclusivity mean to you; and 3. Enjoy tasty snacks which reflect spices and tastes from around the world.

January 21st is also important because it is martin luther king, Jr. Day when we recognize the many contributions King's movement made toward bringing about a more inclusive society and the powerful words of his I Have a Dream speech will inspire us during the day.  There will be tables with items and information celebrating Black History, the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning), and areas of travel such as Indonesia and the Ukraine, plus the opportunity to sit with others and share your story.  Our diversity makes for such a rich tapestry!  The heritage of Christian hospitality on which the Beatitudes was built, laid the foundation for this community to be an inclusive culture where all feel supported, valued and appreciated, but it takes every single one of us working together to live that out every day.  We are excited for this event and we hope that you will join us in this mission to fulfill our promise!  The Diversity and Inclusion Action Council is looking for others who are passionate about this work so if you would like to join the Council or would like more information please call me, Chaplain Peggy Roberts at X16109.*

Author Info: Peggy Roberts

Chaplain Peggy Roberts is Vice President of the Spiritual Life Department here at Beatitudes. Peggy was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served in pastoral ministry as well as being a hospice chaplain.