Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

In pursuit of our D&I pillar to “learn more,” we partnered with local Latinx artist @erbrambila28 to create this infographic detailing the history behind Hispanic Heritage Month.

Scroll to learn more about this important month.

Learning the Language: A Recap on Being Conscious and Inclusive

Volunteer Contributor: Michaella Hader

“Words are powerful,” and as marketers, we know this well. They can uplift, inspire and change the way people think or act, but they also can invalidate, marginalize and erase. With this potential to have such negative effects, Crystal Shelley — editor, authenticity reader and owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen — guides us through how to use our words for good, in our lives and our work.

This can be hard to learn. Mistakes are part of the process, and discomfort is normal. What’s easy, though, is getting started. All it takes is a commitment to doing better — seeking to recognize harm before it happens. The small changes we begin to practice and implement over time ultimately lead to a more inclusive, safe and collaborative environment.

At its core, conscious language is rooted in critical thinking and compassion. What it’s not, as Shelley pointed out, is political, censoring or withholding. Conscious language adds a dynamic to conversation versus taking something away. Used skillfully, specific contexts can ensure the impact is positive. Please remember, intent and impact are often not equal.

How to get started.

On the journey to becoming more conscious and inclusive, one thing is certain: It takes work to recognize our language and find alternatives, but it is possible. At its worst, language creates toxic environments, unsafe spaces, poor publicity and lost contracts. But at its best, it validates, includes and respects all those around us, helping positively shape lives and workplace culture.

To learn more about Crystal and available resources on conscious and inclusive language, visit her website, watch the BR recorded session or check out this PDF.

In October 1992, the founder and board of trustees of FANHS proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month. FANHS wanted to celebrate the arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States and how they have thrived from coast to coast, including growing to comprise the third-largest ethnic group in California.

LGBTQ+ History Month helps build community, provide role models and mentors, and recognize national and international contributions. In October and beyond, Milwaukee offers many resources to build upon what’s celebrated and further develop the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Some of these enriching opportunities, programs and upcoming events are featured below.

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center offerings:

Updates:

Dig in further on our SharePoint site that highlights our four pillars. 

Learn More: BR supports each employee’s process of self-discovery about topics related to diversity, inclusion and belonging. We do this by providing resources and opportunities for employees to educate themselves.

Listen Harder: BR leadership commits to listening to employees about topics related to diversity, inclusion and belonging, and encourages employees to have open and honest conversations with each other. We do this by providing a range of feedback channels and spaces for discussion.

Change Faster: BR executes on action plans to become a more diverse and inclusive organization that fosters a sense of belonging. We do this by providing training for our employees, implementing talent acquisition plans and tracking our progress.

Give More: BR gives of its resources to support diversity, inclusion and belonging, and encourages employees to do the same. We do this by offering our employees service days, partnering with local organizations on pro bono work and making monetary donations.