If you haven't been moved by recent events and left wondering how you can help make a change in your organization, well, this post isn't for you. This is for the folks, including me, who want to see Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) thrive in a world that doesn't always see the need or see how to do it.

I'm going to try something new.

Regardless of the role I am playing in an organization, instead of waiting to be asked to include DEI in my plans, I'm going to put it in from the start. Then it's up to the board to take it out.

Job descriptions, put it in
Strategic plans, put it in
Creative briefs, put it in
Scorecards, put it in
Annual reports, put it in
Budgets, put it in

I'm not talking about manipulation, force or shaming. I'm talking about offering a better range of choices for a better future or at least a better conversation.

I'm going with the intention that we all want to do good. Maybe our boards haven't seen a way to include DEI that we have? Maybe they didn't know they had support from the team? Put it in. Have them choose that including DEI doesn't work with the organization's values or mission.

If the board doesn't see the future of the organization includes DEI, there is an important message: resume, put it in.

Great. Now, it’s time to make your offer.

The airways are filled with lovely messages these days, and believe me, I’ve been the benefactor of their hope and connection. And, I've rolled my eyes at a few as well.

Regardless, a great start. So how about some action to back up those good intentions?

Now it’s time to share your talents and resources. Instead of announcing your donations, make your donation and make an offer of support:

Turn over your paid media buy for a Black Lives Matter commercial
Have your editors cut the Nature Conservancy’s footage into a sharable film
Introduce your local food bank to all the media you know
Have your insights team frame research to support narrative change for Immigration
Use one of your talent appearances to have an influencer, celebrity, or athlete show up on a Zoom event for the Time’s Up

You get the idea.

One last parting thought, probably the most important one: don’t be the a-hole who thinks you know better than those with lived experience. You don’t.

When you make the offer, take the assignment, do the work, report back, and be grateful for the opportunity. This isn’t about you or looking good. It’s about doing good.

How’s that for making a statement?

Put it in. Let the board take it out.

Made Your Statement?