5 Things / how it's done
Thanks so much to the many of you who completed the 5 Things survey last week! The feedback was super useful -- and I also felt very appreciated -- so thank you! Many of you also wanted to learn more about being a part of the release of my new book Inclusive 360, which is kind of like a much bigger version of 5 Things. Registration is open for a Zoom meeting I'm hosting on Wednesday for anyone who wants to learn more about why this book matters, and learn how you can help.
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This week I learned that Amazon Studios has a new commitment to include one speaking character with a disability, one from the LGBTQ+ community as well as three characters from other underrepresented groups in each production.
Additionally, they're proactively seeking content from creators from those groups as a way to ensure authenticity and increase supplier diversity. This matters because it demonstrates a holistic approach to DEI -- increasing representation of and expanding access to underrepresented groups. The result will be productions that not only reflect the diversity of our culture but also lead to an increase in income for people from those groups.
I love this! That's Inclusive 360 in action!
Here are some other good vibes I found this week:
Levi's is one of an increasing number of companies reskilling workers who might not otherwise have the skills for the changing workforce. The company is training front line and other employees on data science so they can stay at the company. This matters because Levi's is showing a commitment to its employees and giving them the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing and evolving labor market. These new skills may also increase their earning potential over time.
Warby Parker has committed $440k to the New England College of Optometry to specifically fund scholarships for Black students. This matters because the eyewear company knows that only 3% of optometry students in the US are Black, and is partnering with NECO to increase those numbers to reflect the general population. This is a racial equity commitment -- Warby Parker is expanding access to those who might not have it
Some of you may remember that I was recently at Disney World with my family. Well, at Disney, it's common to hear the phrase "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls..." That phrase will now be changed to "Dreamers of all ages..." I saw a lot of LGBTQ+ folks at Disney during my visit who will no doubt feel more seen by this policy change.
On a similar note, the US State Department will allow people to choose a third gender on their passport, instead of just male and female. This is the first federal department to allow for more than two gender options, and while the policy is not yet in effect, it's coming soon, and the US will join other countries like Australia, New Zealand, and India to offer this option.
These policy changes matter because there are more than two genders, yet the binary remains the default.
Image by Elevate