From Juneteenth to Pride: Our Journey Towards an Inclusive Future
Posted On June 20, 2024As the CEO of Camber Outdoors, I am honored to take a moment to reflect on the significance of two pivotal celebrations in our cultural calendar: Juneteenth and Pride Month. These occasions remind us of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our lives, including our workplaces. They offer us a unique opportunity to honor our history, celebrate our progress, and reaffirm our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Juneteenth: A Milestone of Freedom
Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is a profound reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans and a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality.
For many of us, Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone but a call to action. It urges us to acknowledge the systemic injustices that persist today and to actively work towards a more equitable society. At Camber Outdoors, we are committed to fostering an environment where our employees feel seen, heard, and supported. This means more than just celebrating a day; it means integrating the principles of justice and equality into the fabric of our company culture.
Pride Month: Celebrating Love and Authenticity
Pride Month, celebrated throughout June, honors the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride is a time for celebration, reflection, and advocacy. It’s a reminder of the courage it takes to live authentically and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
At Camber Outdoors, we celebrate the diversity of our employees, recognizing that our strength lies in our differences. We are committed to creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Building Inclusive Workspaces: Our Commitment to Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords at Camber Outdoors; they are the principles that guide our every action. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for innovation, creativity, and success. Here are some of the ways we are working to embed equity, inclusion and diversity into our organizational DNA:
1. Inclusive Hiring Practices
Ensure your hiring practices are fair and inclusive. This means actively seeking out diverse talent and removing barriers that may prevent marginalized groups from joining your team. Commit to creating a recruitment process that is transparent, unbiased, and welcoming to all.
2. Ongoing Education and Training
Education is key to fostering a culture of inclusion. We provide ongoing belonging training for all partners, helping them understand the importance of diversity and how to be allies to their colleagues. Some training covers topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership.
3. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Employee Resource Groups are also a vital part of DEI strategy. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change. Our partners have ERGs for Black employees and LGBTQ+ employees that are particularly active, organizing events, providing support, and helping to shape company policies.
4. Leadership Accountability
Inclusion and Equitable systems should be the top priority for your leadership team. Being accountable by setting clear inclusion and equity goals and regularly reviewing progress. This includes tracking metrics such as representation, retention, and employee satisfaction, and making adjustments as needed which is available in the Camber Survey System – click here for more information.
5. Creating Safe Spaces
Most of all, strive to create an environment where all employees feel safe and respected. That means zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Have clear policies in place to address any issues that arise and provide support for employees who may be affected.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month, we are reminded of the importance of continuous progress. At Camber Outdoors, we are committed to not just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but taking concrete actions to make these values a reality. We envision a future where our workplace is a model of inclusivity, where everyone feels valued for who they are, and where our diversity drives our success.
We know that this journey requires ongoing effort and dedication. We are committed to listening, learning, and growing as we work towards a more equitable and inclusive future. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and where our differences are celebrated as our greatest strengths.
In honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month, let us recommit to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let us celebrate our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and continue to strive for a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Thank you for joining us on this important journey.
With gratitude,
Tiffany
