Where Do You Belong?

In a world where people of many different backgrounds, beliefs, and identities all live and work together, it’s important to understand that without Inclusivity, we’re exacerbating the fragile rarity of Belonging. In other words, as my friend, Amanda Kevin PHR said the other day, “Belonging can only happen with Inclusivity.”

“According to a survey conducted in 2022, 28 percent of LGBTQI+ adults reported experiencing discrimination in public spaces in the United States. 23 percent also reported experiencing discrimination in the workplace while 19 percent reported experiencing discrimination at school." -Statista reporter, Veera Korhonen

Type “Inclusion venture capital” in your search bar in LinkedIn and click “Posts” to see a patchwork feed of inspiring and deflating news. DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) still seen as an important initiative, and yet only 2% of all venture capital goes to women-owned business, and less than that to black-owned businesses. Venture capital firms still “bullish” on DEI, yet reports say that VC firms sticking to this initiative are struggling more to get the capital they require.

So what do we do about it? 

My humble, personal opinion, walk the walk! We may get sick of hearing, "Be the change you want to see happen,” and yet is there any other way? We are responsible for our time and energy spent with people and organizations that share our mission to create a more inclusive, just, and safe world for all brilliant humans.

And we are responsible for intentional inclusion in our messaging, images, practices, and marketing strategies. For those who want my expertise in this, schedule a call to discuss options that suit your needs.

Modest Suggestions to Boost Your Inclusion and Belonging Mission in Madison:

• Check out The Progress Center for Black Women

  • Tonight, September 18th, they are giving a tour as part of MABC Live, “Bridging Perspectives” 5:30-7 pm.

• Be Present at Black On State, September 21-22nd.

  • They will have a Business Mixer, Morning Social, and Block Party. Wear your dancing shoes!

• Open up to OPEN Madison’s Career Fair and Annual Dinner Event, October 3rd at the Monona Terrace

  • Hiring? Be a vendor and open up your view to talented trans and queer people looking for safe workplaces where they can thrive

• Read my LinkedIn friend’s book, Transgender Inclusion, by Dr. A.C. Fowlkes

  • Please note: I refuse to share Amazon links for books. Believe me when I say that it is best to support your authors and community by buying books from local and independent bookstores.

The Heathers, Mean Girls, and Grown Up Clubs

Inclusion and Belonging, Step 2: Check your relationship solar system and networking groups. How diverse and inclusive are your networks? Take a good look. Are they more exclusive than inclusive? Would your favorite BIPOC professional or trans coworker belong? Can you wear your rainbow pin with pride?

In order for us to be the change we need to see happen, we need to take the small actions steps to intentionally practice the inclusion and create the safe space we know is important for a truly empowering, innovative, strong future. Different perspectives and backgrounds bring incredible ideas and practices that help us grow as individuals and collective humans. Does that make sense?

If you need a wing person to join you at networking events (in person or virtually) and ease your transition into inclusivity, do not be shy. I will do what I can to connect you to good people. Because, and I mean this, if you’re not IN with Inclusivity, you are OUT of touch and getting more and more OUT of reach.

If someone you know needs to read this newsletter, I invite you to share it.

Thank you, and remember, You Are Wonderful!

Laura Paisley Beck

PS- my hilarious gender-neutral Interchangeable Action Novel©, Licensed to Sell, is still available for purchase at A Room of One’s Own, Novel Bay Booksellers, and on my website (which will look completely different in October).