Take Action!

I am a do-er by nature.  When I was growing up, my parents did things themselves – home repairs, projects, you name it.  If my mom could make it and not have to buy it, she did.  They both grew up that way (mostly out of financial necessity).  Now, I am not nearly as handy as either of my parents (Home Depot scares me) but I have a tendency to get things done. 

Having worked for and with small companies throughout my career, I have not had the luxury of having extra people around to handle things.  Whether we need to make a run to Staples for supplies or move a desk – we just do it.  Many of my clients handle their own facility maintenance, as well as running their business.  It’s just what you do in smaller organizations. 

So because I’m a person who likes to take action, I am curious as to what actionable items will come out of the recent protests surrounding racial injustice in our country.  What true changes will come?  I think it’s easy to get caught up in the philosophical discussions surrounding the issues – but what can we do in realistic practice as we continue through life? 

The actions taken by Starbucks at the time of a racially-charged incident in one of their stores was admirable.  Out of a terrible situation, an employee was appropriately terminated, and all operations were shut down in order to provide training and support to employees.  I love how the company chose to take the action item of physically closing their stores in order to address this with their employees.  They didn’t just put out a statement.  They didn’t just pledge money to the cause.  They took action. 

To employees and customers alike, taking action shows a true dedication to the company’s stance on an issue.  It’s not enough to say that an organization supports racial equality and justice for all; they have to show it.  There is a lot that HR can do to support a company’s efforts – at the very least, start the conversation.  Provide resources.  Listen.  But if you are going to add a Diversity & Inclusion aspect to your organization (position, committee, etc.) don’t do it just for the sake of checking a box.  Truly take the time to examine what is needed and take actions that will be sustainable solutions. 

On a national level, I have two ideas for initiatives that may bring lasting change to racial inequality:

1. Level the playing field in education – cease funding public schools with property taxes and make the education of our children top-notch in every district, in every state in the country.  All kids should have the same opportunities regardless of zip code.  We all have a responsibility and vested interest in supporting the development of ALL children. 

2. Take a ‘no tolerance’ stance on drugs – it’s no secret that the war on drugs has a profound negative impact on minority and poverty-stricken communities throughout this nation.  I say ‘no more’.  We must stop using these cases as bargaining chips in the justice system and simply not accept the presence of drugs in our society.  Enough is enough.

I pray for God’s peace for all people today and every day.