5 Things / Compañeros
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There are many Venezuelan migrants where I live, most bussed up from Texas. A grassroots group of neighbors has organized a resettlement community hub, with a website connecting to volunteer opportunities and donation needs. They’ve set up a “compañeros” program where folks can “adopt” an individual or family and help them schedule appointments, find housing, and otherwise find their way in this strange, cold, new world right outside of Chicago.
I’ve done nothing except donate money and clothes. One excuse is that my Spanish is weak and I’ve convinced myself that I wouldn’t be much help. Then I feel guilty because my parents were also not born here, having come from Ireland for the American dream. Getting involved with the migrant resettlement would be a nice way to pay it forward…yet I’ve done almost nothing.
That’s the story in my head. Can you relate to the tension of wanting to do more in theory, yet inventing excuses not to take the first step?
I signed up to volunteer for a shift this afternoon. I decided to just start. I suspect that I’ll be reminded of how, when I give, I receive.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Walmart to increase pay for store managers
Walmart’s new annual base wage ranges from $90,000 to $170,000, offering more upward mobility for hourly workers. ~75% of store management began as hourly employees. The redesigned bonus program prioritizes profits over sales, potentially doubling a manager's bonus if targets are met. Walmart’s done a really nice job of taking care of its retail employees. I’ve been a long time fan of their free college tuition program.
Philadelphia becomes first sensory-inclusive city in the U.S.
Philadelphia received the Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity. With almost 17% of the population facing disabilities, including sensory-based, the city made a commitment to do better. 70% of the 16,000 city workers took sensory inclusivity training. Resources like mobile stations with sensory tools and sensory bags are available at events for those with sensory disabilities. Philadelphia's professional sports teams are also certified as sensory-inclusive. I love this!
Jerod Mayo hired as New England Patriots coach
The New England Patriots make history with Jerod Mayo becoming their first Black head coach. Mayo is the NFL's youngest head coach and the fourth Black coach in the league. Patriots owner Robert Kraft emphasized merit, but Mayo brought up race, stating, "I do see color, because I believe if you don't see color you can't see racism." In a league where 60% of players are Black but the percentages of coaches are far less, the NFL has diversity challenges. Mayo's willingness to confront the issue draws praise, highlighting the importance of addressing racial disparities in coaching hires in the sports industry.
BIPOC folks win big at Emmys
The 2024 Emmys marked a historic moment with a record-breaking number of people of color winning major awards across all categories. This inclusive shift reflects a departure from the #EmmysSoWhite trend of two years ago. Noteworthy achievements include Quinta Brunson becoming the second Black woman to win for best comedy actress; Ayo Edebiri's win as the third Black woman for supporting comedy actress; and Lee Sung Jin's hat trick, being the first Asian to win outstanding limited series, directing, and writing in the same year. These milestones signify a positive step towards diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
321 Coffee shows a successful inclusive retail business model
321 Coffee in the Raleigh area employs 60 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), with hundreds more on their wait list for jobs. The company has multiple cafes, a roastery, and a wholesale business, with these folks working all roles. 321 symbolizes Down’s Syndrome, which occurs when an individual has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. When 80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed, the success of the 321 Coffee model exemplifies the win-win created with inclusion.
This Week’s Call to Action:
Do you crave Girl Scout cookies but struggle to find them for sale where you live? No worries! Check out this list of scouts who happen to be trans girls and will ship cookies wherever you are! The list was curated by Erin Reed.