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.