Acronym

A final little digestible thought from the Diversity + Inclusion Conference: Diversity and inclusion is not a program. It's not project. It's not an initiative. If you're thinking about it in these terms, it's time to adjust your thinking. Diversity and inclusion is either part of your culture or it's not. It's either woven into the fabric of your staff, leadership, and membership or it's not. The good thing is, we are continually weaving the fabric of our organizations, the culture is always evlolving (for good or not). So we have to recognize that wherever we are in incorporating inclusivity into our organizations, it's ok, as long as we acknowledge the importance of it.

I know, I'm talking about semantics here. What is incorporating D&I into your organizational culture if it's not by means of D&I initiatives or programs? What's important is the end game, or perhaps better stated as the lack of end game. Stressing the importance of D&I during planning does not make it part of the fabric. Having leaders say it is vital to the future does not make it part of the culture. So, yes, have the conversations about what inititatives/programs/products your organization can do around D&I issues, but be sure the conversations about how these things are intended to affect the culture of your organization in the future.