Tag: inclusion

Celebrating Pride Month

by Mershon Niesner

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. E. E. Cummings, American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate how far the LGBTQ community has come and an opportunity to remind us of the work that must be continued in order to achieve true equality for all. 

Language around inclusion can be confusing. A good way to look at it is gender inclusion is a concept that transcends mere equality. It’s the notion that all services, opportunities, and establishments are open to all people and that male and female stereotypes don’t define societal roles and expectations. 

Affirmation: I support those who have the courage to grow up and become who they really are. 

Coaching questions: In what ways do you support the LGBTQ community and individuals who identify as gay or lesbian? 

I Raise My Voice! Celebrating Women’s History Month

by Mershon Niesner

I raise my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. Malala Yousafzai,  education activist and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate

March is National Women’s History Month. The 2024 theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

The National Women’s History Alliance writes, “It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.”

Amen to that!

Affirmation: I will raise my voice and do what I can to make a difference.

Coaching question: What’s one thing you will do this month to advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion? 

A Box of New Crayons

by Mershon Niesner

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors but they live together in the same box. Author unknown

School is starting soon in most of the United States. Parents are stocking up on school supplies which, for elementary kids, still includes crayons. To me there is nothing like the smell, the feel, the colorful beauty of new crayons. Just seeing them on the shelves at Walmart renews my creative energy as I look forward to Fall..

To add to my love of crayons is this metaphor of inclusion….all colors, weird names, sharp and dull, all living in the same box….what a great visual message. Young children see the world through these eyes, it’s the job of a parent is to help them stay that way.

Affirmation: I love “crayons” of all kinds.

Coaching questions: If you’re feeling low on… positive energy, creativity, good will…buy yourself a box of crayons or colored pencils. No matter what your age, coloring will make you feel just a little better. What’s keeping you from trying it?red-crayon-clipart-McLLorqca