Looking For Your Expertise Planning Commemorative Events For My Organization
DEAR SEANDRA, I am a member of my organization's Diversity Committee. It is our responsibility to plan events that celebrate the commemorative months on our calendar. I am seeking your advice on how to plan events or activities for certain occasions such as Gay Pride Month, Black History Month, and American Indian Heritage Month, while ensuring that we do not cause any controversy or offend anyone. I would appreciate your suggestions on this matter. - I’M NO EXPERT AT THIS
DEAR, I’M NO EXPERT AT THIS - When it comes to commemorating occasions or events, organizations often ask me for advice on the best approach. There are many ways to celebrate these occasions, but some approaches may not be as effective as others, despite having good intentions and preparation behind them.
Instead of providing a list of ways to celebrate, I suggest asking yourself and your organization some important questions.
For example, consider whether the occasion is meaningful for the employees and stakeholders within your organization, or whether it's being observed because you feel obligated to do so. If it's the latter, you may come across as inauthentic and disconnected from the matter. It's best to either abstain or make a modest, respectful nod to the occasion and focus your energy on events that align with your organization's mission and vision.
If there are people within your organization that you want to commemorate, I suggest asking them how they want to be celebrated. The same could be said for events like Black History Month or Cancer Awareness Month. Speaking with people who relate to the issue or cause being commemorated can help you honor the occasion in the best way possible.
One way to collect feedback is to send out a newsletter inviting staff and stakeholders to send recommendations for how they'd like to see the month celebrated. This approach can help you stay true to the intent of honoring important occasions while remaining true to your organization's mission and vision. It can also help you invest in your people, making them feel valued and strengthening relationships within the workplace.
At the Root of it all, the answer to your question lies within your organization, not external opinions. I encourage you to explore this matter internally to ensure that your approach is authentic and effective.
Be Rooted,
Seandra
