This year has seen countless rollbacks in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work in organizations throughout the country. From shifting minor language, and reallocation of funds to eliminating DEI initiatives fully, organizations have felt the effects of anti-DEI sentiment and legislation. This pivotal year in DEI presents an opportunity for organizations to reflect on how far they have come on their DEI journey and look forward with more passion and commitment than ever before.
In reflecting on the most recent rollbacks in DEI, LINC consulted with our DEI advisory council to get a sense of the state of DEI in the region. Unanimously, the commitment to workplace inclusion is strong in the Lehigh Valley. Not only is this reinforced by our DEI council members, but this is also a consensus we have heard among many Lehigh Valley leaders through our CEO breakfast forum series. Our workplaces are committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging in our region, no matter what the language organizations use to describe their initiatives. We need to move beyond the language used and finally get to the substance of the work.
LINC’s mission is to foster trusted connections that attract and support newcomers as they transition to our community while helping to advance DEI organizations across the region. As we assist those relocating to the Lehigh Valley through transition services, networking opportunities, and professional and community connections, we create bonds among people of diverse backgrounds to foster a sense of belonging. We aim to be a resource for employers and employees to engage in DEI related dialogue, encourage growth through continued learning opportunities, and provide trusted connections to help reach your business goals.
Sixty-five, and counting, organizations have committed to this work through joining LINC’s cross-industry, regional DEI community of employers, collaborating to build a Lehigh Valley where everyone feels welcome, gets rooted, and thrives. As we continue to work together to advance DEI in the region, we hope your organization will stand beside us to continue these conversations. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Be sure your CEO is present at our next CEO breakfast forum being held at Muhlenberg College, on December 10th at 7:30, contact us to learn more.
- Join LINC’s DEI Community as an annual subscriber and get access to additional events, and monthly content for your whole team!
- Consider supporting LINC through a sustaining sponsorship of our DEI work or support our Talent Services as a community partner.