Category Archives: Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Authors A-H, Gender, Social Issues

Don’t interrupt me, for crying out loud! – by Terry Howard

(To Hillary) “Excuse me, I’m talking!” ” I’m not finished; don’t interrupt me!” – Bernie Sanders, Democratic Debate

I glared in awe at the TV screen during the recent Republican and Democrat presidential debates while trying my best to keep tabs on the number of times the debaters interrupted each other. With Republican one, I simply lost account. Insults clearly spearheaded every interruption as the four men duked it out with each other on a variety of issues, including one candidate’s “hand size.”

Research has it that men tend to interrupt women more than women interrupt men. That was my reference point a week later when a woman and a man, Hillary and Bernie, took the debate stage. I was curious as to how the interruption dynamic would manifest itself across gender lines. Not sure if there’s a gender message here – is it? – but Sanders seemed to be the most irritated by being interrupted.

Continue reading Don’t interrupt me, for crying out loud! – by Terry Howard →

Levine articles, Religious Diversity

The Majestic One and the E-Book Pirates – by Deborah Levine

I discovered that I was Majestic last week when I finally decided to publish my book, Teaching Curious Christians about Judaism, as an e-book on Amazon’s Kindle. I’d resisted creating a kindle version of the paperback for years. Originally published by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago in the mid 1990s as Teaching Christian Children about Judaism, the book was long out of print when I updated it in 2013. Much to my surprise, I discovered that it had been used for the past twenty years by Monsignor Al Humbrecht at his church in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. We sat down and mapped out the update to replace his few remaining copies.

Continue reading The Majestic One and the E-Book Pirates – by Deborah Levine →

Culture, Levine articles, Religious Diversity

Religious Diversity Leadership Strategies – by Deborah Levine

While religion can be the most divisive force on the face of the planet, it can also be a source of communal resolve. Yes, there are wars fought in the name of religion, as well random violence, rape, torture and unspeakable crimes. Many good people prefer to be in the unaffiliated or atheist categories rather than be associated with organized religion. My path has been a religious journey, with a goal akin to a United Nations of Religious Diversity.

Continue reading Religious Diversity Leadership Strategies – by Deborah Levine →

Authors R-Z, Teams & Leaders

Associate Retention Today: The Truth – by Mauricio Velasquez

As a Diversity Consultant and Trainer to law firms I am often asked by our clients “help us stop the bleeding.” Firms invest so much in sourcing, recruiting and developing their talented associates and to see them leave prematurely can be disastrous. One of my clients had lost nearly a dozen partners and associates (too many were women, minorities, not all) in a particular practice area in a several week span and they called DTG for help.

HELP?

Continue reading Associate Retention Today: The Truth – by Mauricio Velasquez →

Around the world, Levine articles, Of Women

How Movies Change Women and Girls – by Deborah Levine

The Independent Television Service (ITVS) enriches the cultural landscape with the voices and visions of underrepresented communities, and reflect the interests and concerns of a diverse society. ITVS supports a dynamic field of independent media makers whose programs creatively engage audiences, expand cultural awareness and catalyze civic participation. About seven years ago, filmmakers from around the world came to ITVS with incredible stories about women and girls. Rather than air one at a time, ITVS looked for a holistic approach. They created Women and Girls Lead, a multi-year initiative that includes multiple documentaries about women and girls. After launching the domestic initiative, the project targeted a global audience. With the combined expertise in international broadcasting, storytelling, and on-the-ground knowledge its partners: USAID, the Ford Foundation, and CARE, ITVS recently launched Women and Girls Lead Global.

Continue reading How Movies Change Women and Girls – by Deborah Levine →

Groundbreakers storytelling, Levine articles, Of Women, Teams & Leaders

Women Inspiring Women with Their Stories – by Deborah Levine

Who among us has not been touched by success stories or by stories of daring adventures, altruistic sacrifices, or futuristic inventions? Whether it’s rags-to-riches or rising from the ashes, we’re moved and motivated by stories of overcoming life’s obstacles. How do these stories, often of people and places unknown to us personally, penetrate hearts and minds so deeply? Can we harness their inspirational power and apply it to women with unrealized potential? Chattanooga’s Women GroundBreakers tackled the challenge using the Matrix Model Management System.

Continue reading Women Inspiring Women with Their Stories – by Deborah Levine →

Levine articles, Teams & Leaders

Self-awareness in Leadership – by Deborah Levine

Chattanooga’s Lean In Chapter began its exploration of global leadership where leadership begins: self-awareness. Why is self-awareness the integral ingredient to real leadership? These Women Groundbreakers answered that question with the energy and passion of people who have “been there – done that.” They shared stories of how you have to know yourself, strengths, weaknesses, values, before you can lead others. Knowing what drives you and feeds your soul gives you the ability to overcome your weaknesses and challenges. Understanding your roots gives awareness to and appreciation of other cultures. Self-awareness begins a process of growth which leads to change which should ultimately extend out to help others.

Continue reading Self-awareness in Leadership – by Deborah Levine →

Authors A-H, Race & Ethnicity, Southern Culture

Tap Dancing with Donna – by Terry Howard

I went 12 rounds with Donna, a “bout” that started eleven months ago when I settled into Douglasville, Georgia. You see, Donna, a full-size middle age white woman, and me, a full-bellied middle age black man, first came into contact with each other in the convenient store a mile from my house, a tiny place reminiscent of the bucolic town of Mayberry in the old Andy Griffith Show. This is the place I stop by early mornings for coffee and a newspaper. Donna works there.

Continue reading Tap Dancing with Donna – by Terry Howard →