The RAD-X Thursday

July 30, 2020

Lee on Diversity | The Assignment

Resources | Upcoming Development Opportunities

Support RAD-X

Lee on Diversity

In Region VIII we put people first. On 19 June, in response to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and the ensuing societal tension and unrest, I put out an All Hands message that laid out a vision of weaving diversity and inclusion into the fabric of our Region VIII Way culture. We followed that up with an impactful small group discussion on 23 June. We have since embarked on a path of looking for opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and grow as a region. Focusing the first RAD-X Thursday and first edition of The RAD-X Thursday Bulletin since February on Diversity is another step on this path. 

Please use this opportunity to set aside meetings and focus on your personal growth. Spend some deep work time on the collection of resources the team pulled together and gain a greater understanding of the challenges we face in our society. Take the time to participate in the TED Talk, where we will break out into small groups to discuss the talk before coming back together as a larger group.  Region VIII Rocks because we are not afraid to have crucial conversations to make our team stronger. 

The Assignment

Don't miss Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler's powerful TED Talk on "unlikely allies"

We have a great list of resources for you all below. All of them are worth your time and consideration. That said, if you're short on time, I'd like you to focus your attention on these two opportunities on this training stand-down day. - Lee

1. TED Talk & Facilitated Discussion: What if white people led the charge to end racism? | Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler

Today at 9:30am via Zoom. A calendar invite for this event was sent out last week. 

2. Read I See Color by Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler

This short essay encourages organizations to talk about race, diversity, and equity.

Resources

If you'd like to continue to explore the pressing topics of diversity and racism, here are a few additional resources to get started.

Watch

Racism Is Real - Systemic Racism Explained - Short film by Brave New Films

Brené Brown on Empathy - Animated short on the importance of empathetic connection

How to be an Antiracist - Professor Ibram X. Kendi speaks at Google's Search for Racial Equity Series.

Read

Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do - Book by Jennifer L. Eberhardt, PhD

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack - Essay by Peggy McIntosh

How to be an Antiracist - Book by Professor Ibram X. Kendi

How to Call Out Racial Injustice at Work - Essay by James Detert and Laura Morgan Roberts

Participate

This year's RAD-S, taking place in the fall, will feature a Diversity Speaker Series. Stay tuned for more information.

Upcoming Development Opportunities

Retirement Seminar - August 18-19

Virtual Presentation Training (Invitation Only) - September 30

Field Safety Training - December 9

Contact Ashley Nguyen at binh.nguyen@fema.dhs.gov for more information on these opportunities

Support RAD-X

Our goal is for the RAD-X to be a regionwide, employee-driven, development initiative. There are many ways you can support the effort, including:

• Nominating a theme for a month
• Leading a training for Region 8 staff
• Identifying a speaker or trainer who can help Region 8 grow
• Sharing links to articles, videos, and podcasts on topics related to development
• Submitting an original story or essay

If you'd like to help craft a future RAD-X, contact Chris Neukom at christopher.neukom@fema.dhs.gov or Jack Corcoran at john.corcoran@fema.dhs.gov.