5 Things / Keep Going
Listen to this episode:
Sometimes I want to throw my hands in the air and yell, “Where are the good vibes?” Can you relate?
Especially after I read the statement from SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management) removing equity from its diversity and inclusion focus. I believe that equality, which is in my company name, is not possible without equity (more for those who need it). When a major association like SHRM moves away from this important language, it can be easy to feel defeated. When your leaders aren’t prioritizing this work, it can be easy to lose hope.
Lean into the good vibes. For those who are feeling defeated, look to these stories as signs of progress. There are enough stories for 40+ newsletters and podcast episodes a year. Is it fast enough? No. But we’re still moving forward.
For those who don’t see a clear path forward, lean into the good vibes as a way to see the possibilities, understand why this matters, and get ideas for action. All of it matters. The cumulative effect is massive. Please share the 5 Things subscribe link or forward this to someone you know who could use it.
Here Are This Week’s Good Vibes:
80% of Mattel Games Are Color-Blind Accessible
Mattel is updating its card games, like Uno, for players with color blindness. By year-end, 80% of their games will be color-blind accessible, increasing to 90% by 2025. For instance, Uno now features symbols alongside colors, aiding identification. Blokus will include patterns for game pieces. This initiative, driven by a partnership with ColorADD, ensures that 300 million color-blind people worldwide can enjoy these games. I love anything that brings more people together – and universally accessible gameplay does just that. (h/t to Karen Catlin)
Caroline’s Carts Debuting At Walmart
Walmart is introducing Caroline's Carts, designed for children and adults with disabilities, in all its stores by January 2025. These carts feature a seat with a buckle near the handle, allowing caregivers to shop more comfortably and safely using one single cart. This can impact tens of millions of people with disabilities in the U.S. Shopping should be more accessible and convenient for all customers and I appreciate that Walmart gets that and is making it easier.
JPMorgan’s Second Chance Agenda is Working
JPMorgan’s Second Chance Agenda program promotes the hiring of folks with criminal records – and 9% of new hires last year came from the program. I love this because it taps into a talent pool often overlooked and stresses the importance of skills over formal education. Plenty of people with criminal records possess valuable abilities not reflected on their resumes. This approach not only provides opportunities for ex-felons but also enriches the workforce with diverse perspectives.
NPS’s First-Ever LGBTQ Visitor Center Is Open
This first-ever LGBTQ visitor center within the National Parks System, located near the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City, is open. It offers an immersive experience into LGBTQIA history, featuring powerful exhibitions and dynamic artwork, such as trans artist FEWOCiOUS's piece, "How are you?" With its vibrant atmosphere and poignant displays, the SNMVC honors the legacy of the Stonewall Riots and the ongoing fight for equality. Our community needs this.
First Ever Nursery at Olympics Athletes Village
Allyson Felix has long believed that motherhood and elite athletic performance can go hand-in-hand. She’s the most decorated track and field athlete and has now introduced the first-ever Pampers Nursery in the Athletes Village. This nursery will offer a space for Olympic moms to bond, nurse, and play with their babies, removing a little stress so they can perform at their best.
Call to Action:
International Allyship Day is August 8 and my friend Julie Kratz is hosting an event live in NYC or virtually. The event will bring together industry-leading organizations to share best practices and help others develop their own unique Allyship programming. Get the details here.