Thanksgiving is around the corner – and here at RALIANCE we believe there’s much to be grateful for. Though there are many challenges ahead in the effort to build cultures that are safe and inclusive for all, taking time to reflect on progress is critical to staying engaged and optimistic about the work ahead.
Here’s what we’re thankful for this year:
• RALIANCE Co-founder Sandra Henriquez: I’m so grateful for the “out of the box” approaches that have evolved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – the virtual nature of our work has expanded our engagement with other organizations, industries, and sectors in our effort to create safe and respectful environments. I am optimistic and grateful to the RALIANCE team for the amazing work that’s underway to help businesses and partners create culture change and become a part of the solution!
• RALIANCE Communications Director Laura Palumbo: I am grateful we can play a role in shaping a new normal. The pandemic has called attention to the many ways our society and culture must change to address inequity, health disparities, and oppression. At RALIANCE, we believe we can’t accept a return to normal if that means failing to confront the rampant discrimination, violence, harassment, and abuse historically faced by women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and many others. It’s a crucial moment for us consider the many opportunities we have to reimagine a future that is more inclusive, safe, and respectful – one in which the most vulnerable are protected.
• RALIANCE Social Media Manager Megan Thomas: This year, I’m grateful for the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since I focus on digital content at RALIANCE, I’ve seen tons of great online engagement over the past two years, but there’s no substitute for in-person connection. I’m so grateful that the vaccine has allowed people to safely start coming together again – in workplaces, on sports teams, and at the grassroots level – to make their communities safer. Organizations like our latest round of grantees are able to continue uplifting the stories of BIPOC survivors, ending sexual violence in the janitorial industry, developing youth leadership programs, and so much more.
• RALIANCE Project Manager Tori VandeLinde: I’m grateful for the passion and advancements toward creating a future we want to live in – one that doesn’t accept the excuse that “this is the way it’s always been.” Many organizations and leaders are acting on their realizations that we can’t go back to the way things were before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can go forward with workplaces, cultures, and environments that uphold equity and prevent harassment and violence. I’m thankful to be part of RALIANCE, where we play a key role in guiding organizations through their journey to build safe, respectful, and equitable work environments in this new normal.
• RALIANCE Managing Director Yolanda Edrington: I’m thankful for organizations that have taken steps to challenge systemic dominant cultural norms and begin the journey of creating change. It takes courage to acknowledge and then dismantle systems that foster unsafe and inequitable environments. With guidance from RALIANCE, leaders are connecting with the needs and wellness of their employees. It’s essential that organizations recognize that they need to create a new “normal” that fosters a safer, healthier, and equitable working environment. RALIANCE recognizes that change does not happen overnight – it is a journey requiring deep reflection and ongoing commitment.
RALIANCE also wants to take this opportunity to thank our readers – we’re so grateful you make this blog a part of your week. We hope you all have a joyous Thanksgiving!
RALIANCE provides consulting, assessment, and employee development services to help build more equitable workplace cultures and create environments free from sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse. We stand ready to support your organization’s goals – contact us today at info@raliance.org to get started.