Amber Mosley currently serves as the Senior Program Director for the Center for Community Impact. She shares her thoughts on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Creates True Belonging
Everyone wants to belong! Belonging is a crucial part of human development; we are social creatures who have an emotional need to connect and become a part of something greater than ourselves. I believe we should be able to choose where we belong, where we feel like our true authentic selves. This need is hardwired into our brains. We need people. Unfortunately, conquering and conforming are also a part of our DNA. Our earliest ancestors formed communities in order to survive because those early times were much too dangerous to survive on your own. Thankfully, we are no longer fighting off wild predators. Nevertheless, many still find themselves in danger not by wild animals but by our own species. Holding up the status quo and being part of the majority is still looked upon as the right way.
My earliest memories of non-conformity are from kindergarten, when a teacher told me that I could no longer do cartwheels or play baseball in the fields because I had a dress on. I went home that evening distraught, as these were my favorite activities. I proceeded to tell my parents that I was never wearing a dress again. I am beyond lucky my parents raised me to be strong-minded, although I am sure they wish I were a bit less stubborn. When I showed back up at school in pants, I was told I was not being ladylike, that ladies wear dresses. Thus, the label of “tomboy” was placed upon me. I was somehow no longer a girl but somewhere in between by societal standards? I never really understood this as a youngster but I am so happy that many of today’s youth are seeing there is more than one way to be anything!
That experience so long ago paved the way for many more moments when I pushed against the social norms of society and found myself happily looking in from the outside. It was not until much later that I realized my privilege in being able to choose where I wanted to conform and where I did not. This realization led me to become a staunch advocate for those whose dimensions of diversity do not allow them to pick and choose. I made a promise to myself that I would never remain silent again in terms of equity and inclusion and that I would use my privilege to work toward a more just community and society as a whole.
Before joining the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties almost one year ago, I asked tough questions about where the association stood in regards to equity and inclusion. I knew I would not accept a position where DEI work was not truly a key priority. With many places claiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, I am so happy to say that WE ARE actively working every single day! We work to make our Y a place where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are celebrated, recognized, talked about, and continually placed at the forefront of all we do. When we create equity for all, we create a place where everyone belongs! And while we may not all agree with how others choose to live their lives, it is important to remember what philosopher and cultural critic Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche stated: “You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.”
Thank you for leaning in and doing your part to make our Y a place where everyone feels they belong.