鈥淐oach Misty, why do they call it stealing a base? That seems wrong.鈥�
鈥淐oach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?鈥�
鈥淐oach Misty, I can鈥檛 find my hat. Someone has my hat.鈥�
鈥淐oach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?鈥�
鈥淐oach Misty, I think I left my cup in the car. Nope, I got it in.鈥�
鈥淐oach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?鈥�
These are the very real dugout statements I heard last night while helping coach my son鈥檚 baseball team in League 42. While they are a pretty good baseball team, they are an even better example of what is right about humanity and why a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has to take personal involvement from each of us.
It鈥檚 been nearly one year since the killing of George Floyd, when the Public Policy & Management Center released our statement on Systemic Racism, Equity & Inclusion and shared our commitment for continuing our work in promoting the importance of diversity. A year into this commitment, here is what I know:
- Personal education is important;
- Public statements are needed; and
- Financial resources to support organizations, programs and policy changes to address racism and inequities are critical.
Yet real change requires active engagement鈥n how we think, what we do, and what we believe. The commitment is sharing more than thoughts and financial resources; it is sharing your most important resource鈥our time.
When I look back to understand what impacts me regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, it鈥檚 these personal experiences. League 42 was founded in 2013 in honor of Jackie Robinson with the goal to make baseball accessible for anyone who wants to play. Any given night, the ballfields are filled with boys and girls, all shapes and sizes, all colors, and all personalities. The stands are filled with family and friends that reflect the diversity of our community. There is cheering, there are tears, there is encouragement and there is a wonderful diverse and inclusive community鈥�.oh yeah, and there are countless trips to the bathroom during a game.
Growth only comes from doing something different than you have done before鈥ew experiences, new learning, new actions, new friends. I encourage you to take practical action to further your growth so we can all move forward together.
Here are some simple ways to grow your personal experiences:
- Participate in a cultural event, pride parade or ethnic celebration
- Volunteer at a local homeless shelter
- Frequent a local, diverse restaurant and get to know people there
- Join or create a book club focused on new experiences
- Volunteer with an organization, museum or cultural event that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
The PPMC remains committed to discussing issues, providing resources and promoting development in individuals, organizations and communities that lead to a more inclusive and equitable environment. Real change takes active, personal involvement. Let鈥檚 grow together.