nuwsletter | october 2023
Volume 10
our nuwsletter / october 2023
Quote of the month:
“Honesty and openness is always the foundation of insightful dialogue.”
nu-education:
This year, International Pronouns Day is October 18. First celebrated in 2018, International Pronouns Day takes place on the third Wednesday in October each year. The day serves to normalize the practice of respecting, sharing, and educating each other about pronouns. Though pronouns may seem insignificant or inconsequential, the words we use to refer to people matter.
There are over 7,000 languages and dialects spoken in the world, each with their own phonetic and grammatical rules. Some languages use pronouns, words used in place of a person or item’s name. But, some languages do not, meaning, there aren’t separate words for “he” or “she” - they use the same word. In English, pronouns are gender implied - “he” refers to a man or boy and “she” refers to a woman or girl. But as we learn more about different gender identities and forms of gender expression, the rules of language can’t always keep up. In using the wrong pronouns, it is possible to offend someone because it can demonstrate an assumption of their gender identity based on their appearance or name.
Respecting someone’s personal pronouns both acknowledges and affirms one’s gender identity and self expression. Pronouns are deeply personal and integral to one's sense of self, and using the correct pronouns demonstrates respect, empathy, and validation for their unique identity. Misusing someone’s personal pronouns can lead to feelings of exclusion or discomfort, negatively impacting an individual's well-being and psychological safety. By honoring pronouns, we can create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
Allies are also encouraged to share their pronouns so that it is normalized for transgender or nobinary folks, if they choose to share their pronouns too. With education and practice, it becomes easier and normalized to use pronouns in everyday life. We can work together to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all.
Tips for Incorporating Pronouns into Daily Life
Introduce yourself with your personal pronouns.
Add your personal pronouns to your display name or email signature.
If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, use “they/them” or just use their name.
If you are corrected for misusing using someone’s personal pronouns, apologize and thank the person for the assist!
Respect people’s privacy and boundaries - not everyone will be comfortable with sharing their pronouns.
Sources:
nu-spotlight:
Check out some of these local events happening this month and look out for more on our social media accounts!
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Building upon the success of Part 1, we’ll continue to engage in meaningful discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We believe that it is essential to constantly challenge and reimagine our understanding of DEI, and the current backslides and backlash to DEI offers a unique opportunity to do just that.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Virtual
Free
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Join us for this fun afternoon where you will meet people and play some great games. This is a perfect event to make new friends and connections, share common interests or maybe even make business connections within the LGBTQ community.
Sunday, October 8, 2023, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe - 3 Mill St · Burlington, VT
Free
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GenderQuest is a support and social group for trans, non-binary, gender diverse and two-spirit adults. This is a diverse, peer-led social group for those at any stage of transition: come share,learn, and socialize in a safer space. All trans, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people are welcome to attend. Join Taryn and others who are on their gender quest!
Monday, October 9, 2023, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Virtual
Free
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The Inclusive Workplace Series provides training and guidance to growing companies in the greater Ann Arbor region who want to understand various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to consider in the development of their business. The series helps executives, HR professionals, team members, and all champions and allies learn how to build a more inclusive workplace culture that can result in improved hiring, employee retention and engagement, and deliver ROI in terms of innovation, performance, and growth.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Virtual
Free
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This Inclusive Innovation workshop will help founders embed the principles of DEI into their organization from the ground up. Using the startup development phases as a framework, the program walks founders through how to innovate for inclusion with practical tools and resources for each phase.
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Virtual
Free
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Join us as we unite visionaries, policymakers, and advocates in a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and secure world. Hear from keynote speaker Tim Rieser, senior foreign policy aide to Senator Patrick Leahy along with other distinguished speakers, including former Vermont Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, VCWA board chair and former longtime mayor of Burlington, Peter Clavelle, and VCWA President & CEO Patricia Preston. This year’s event will delve into the challenges and opportunities of establishing peace and security in a world grappling with threats like climate change, terrorism, and political instability. The conversations will center on crafting a more peaceful and secure world for generations to come.
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm
50 Lakeside Ave Burlington, VT 05401
$75-125
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Enjoy listening to DEI experts and professionals sharing invaluable insights and anecdotes about this topic. A panel of experts with diverse professional and personal backgrounds will share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives about diversity, equity, & inclusion.
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Virtual
Free
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The series helps executives, HR professionals, team members, and all champions and allies learn how to build a more inclusive workplace culture that can result in improved hiring,employee retention and engagement, and deliver ROI in terms of innovation, performance, and growth.
Tuesday, October 26, 2023, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Virtual
Free
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The 2023 Health Equity Summit will showcase the exciting initiatives being developed and implemented across our local and extended communities to dismantle institutional inequities that can lead to poor health outcomes, while improving patient experience, inspiring our communities and advancing health equity.
Sunday, October 29 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Monday, October 29, 2023 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dudley H. Davis Center, 590 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401 and virtual options
Free
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