August 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

We hope you’re enjoying a fantastic summer season! We’re thrilled to connect with you and share the latest happenings from the External Affairs DEI Steering Committee. From shaping our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to devising exciting community-building initiatives, we’ve been hard at work. Our goal is to make our department an even more vibrant and inclusive space. So, without further ado, here’s what’s been brewing:

🌟 Crafting DEI Initiatives

The Learning, Education, and Development Subcommittee (LED) has been hard at work, laying the groundwork for dynamic DEI initiatives and educational activities. We’re excited to introduce the Employee Service Initiative (ESI), a brainchild of Sharon Freeman and later moved forward for implementation by LED, which focuses on forming strong community bonds and fostering personal connections. ESI is a way for us to channel our diverse talents and disciplines into meaningful outreach within our local community.

Phase I of the initiative comprises two new policies: Volunteer Time Off and an Annual Group Service Day. Both are designed to motivate us to partake in volunteer/service activities that align with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re elated to share that our Phase I proposal has received the green light from our leadership and the Office of General Counsel. Look out for the official launch this October! We’re planning information sessions in September to dive into the details and empower you to engage in transformative community initiatives.

🎉 The Salon: A Hub for Connection

Since its debut in March 2023, the Salon, our ask-me-anything event series, has been a resounding success! A heartfelt shoutout to Gemma Acheampong, Steve Burgay, Andrea Cacase, Meredith Mann, and Sophie Yarin for leading invigorating conversations that ignite learning and camaraderie within our department. With a fresh semester on the horizon, we’re excited to see the Salon continue as a space for us to come together, converse, and cultivate connections.

Speaking of which, mark your calendars for a hybrid Salon session on September 12th, hosted by Brian Baldeck, our web content manager for Creative Services. Swing by rooms 100D and 100E from 11:30 am to 1 pm for insightful discussions, delectable bites, and a refreshing breather from work!

📚 Introducing the Media & Culture Club

Dive into a world of diverse perspectives with our upcoming Media & Culture Club! This club will use multimedia materials—podcasts, movies, books, articles, and videos—to spark enriching discussions about culture and DEI-related themes. Let’s connect through shared learning experiences and enhance our cultural awareness together. Stay tuned for more details coming your way soon!

✋ Join the DEI Momentum

Here’s how you can get involved:

Contribute to the Antiracist and Inclusivity Best Practices Guide by sharing your insights for more inclusive language in our publications. Act fast as the document will close to submissions before Intersession.

Raise your hand to host the next Salon event. If you’re interested, fill out the form at the bottom of this page or reach out to us at eadei@bu.edu.

Play a role in our community-building programs and events led by the Community Building Subcommittee. Reach out to Gemma Acheampong (gemmaa@bu.edu) or Carol Duan (duanr@bu.edu), or sign up here.

Resources

We want to keep you in the loop about DEI efforts and learning opportunities across BU and beyond. We encourage you to check out some of the events and resources below:

At the end of last fiscal year, the External Affairs DEI Steering Committee shared our findings, goals, and recommendations in the year-end report with senior leadership. Despite the delay in the review and approval process, we managed to publish this report on our website this summer. We encourage you to dive into the nitty-gritty of our 2021–2022 DEI Steering Committee Year-End Report—it’s worth the read!

If you’re looking for tips to help you tackle difficult conversations at work, we encourage you to sign up for the online course offered by BU Organizational Development & Learning. This workshop will provide practical tools to help you navigate tricky waters like a pro.

The University’s LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff will throw a Fall Kick-Off reception at GSU on Wednesday, September 14, from 4 pm to 6 pm to celebrate the start of the academic year with great food. RSVP here to join the gathering.

Member Spotlight

Tim King

When did you start at BU?

August 2022.

Why did you join the DEI Committee?

As a society I know we still have a ways to go before everyone feels like they are a valued part of the community. I am hoping to listen and learn where others are coming from and where I can fit in to be a positive influence.

What item would you hoard if you learned it was being discontinued?

Fuzzy socks.

You can reach Tim at timking@bu.edu

Cecilia Nardi

When did you start at BU?

April 2018.

Why did you join the DEI Committee?

I’m new to the committee and am looking forward to helping advance the impressive work the committee has already started. I enjoy being in community and learning with others. In my role as Director of Community Relations, I’m fortunate to work with dozens of wonderful organizations and groups across the Boston area which I hope to connect to this work. I’m always in search of opportunities to create meaningful partnerships that drive the University to support the communities of Boston and beyond. I hope to turn the learning from this committee into action that leads to a BU and Boston that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

What item would you hoard if you learned it was being discontinued?

Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai.

You can reach Cecilia at cnardi@bu.edu

Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant DEI journey. Together, we’re shaping an even more inclusive and engaging External Affairs family.

Stay connected, stay inspired!

Members of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee at External Affairs