Coming out is rarely a one time event. Wherever you are on your journey, we wish you a happy National Coming Out Day!
Nearly one billion people, worldwide, experience mental illness. Today, we try to identify these issues and take action to address them, rather than continuing the normalcy of masking them. #worldmentalhealthday  Here’s a quick list of the month-long DEI events this October. Stay on top of the FACTS with Factuality!
Consider FACTUALITY for your #highereducation programming needs. During this session, at Georgia Gwinnett, we had students, faculty, and staff, in attendance.   Join us on September 29th for the National Association for Social Workers 17th annual conference. Attend in person or virtually and receive CEUs either way.
Spaces are limited. Register here: https://linktr.ee/factuality Natalie recently served as the keynote speaker for Gilchrist’s Annual Diversity Day. The keynote reached nearly 500 members of the Gilchrist community, whose work revolves around providing quality and equitable end of life care.   “Pay discrimination often is rooted in different forms of bias [and] these biases can lead to Black women being underpaid; being passed over for promotions; and being excluded from better, more lucrative jobs.
Ongoing anti-bias training is critical to combat workplace biases that devalue the contributions of Black women. Employers requiring all staff throughout the company to undertake such training on an annual basis could help counter discriminatory attitudes and create more equitable workplace environments for all workers.” -Jocelyn Frye | President, National Partnership for Women & Families Join us on September 29th for the National Association for Social Workers' 17th annual conference.  Spaces are limited. Register here:   All around the United States, Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities and cultures are highlighted and their voices are amplified during National Hispanic Heritage Month. It's a month-long celebration, but it runs from September 15 to October 15, coinciding with Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua's independence days. This event honors the past and present achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans and the diverse traditions from whence they sprang. Learn some fun ways you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here!
Last week, we brought Factuality back to Skidmore College, for new student orientation. Fun Fact: we have been working with Skidmore since 2018. We support their new student orientation, have participated in their annual DEI programming series, we participated in their summer admissions retreat, we facilitated a program for their community partners and the past President and Board of Trustees have also played. We have served over 2000 members of the Skidmore community!  Guide Dog Month is held annually in September to honor the work and service while raising awareness and appreciation for our four-legged heroes. We’re filling you up with fun facts about guide dogs and the best way we can treat them, when we see them in the act of service.
Affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, suicide is the tenth most frequent cause of mortality in America. Suicide Prevention Week begins today. As a community, we are taking this chance to raise suicide awareness and inspire action through methods that will reduce the incidence of suicide and attempts worldwide. Remember that the spread and effectiveness of prevention have benefited from the growth in resources and awareness, both of which require human effort. Share this with a friend and help save a life. 
It was so great to join the new students at Hendrix College. This is the third year in a row that Factuality was part of Hendrix College’s new student orientation and our first time on campus. Consider Factuality for your diversity programming needs. Many of the traditions we do are influenced and strengthened by the elderly. The 2017 census found 47 million seniors in the U.S., and this number is set to almost double by 2060. These are the people who have lived through each new technological development, and there is so much that can be gained from their knowledge, skills, and experience. If you have someone in mind, wish them a happy National Senior Citizen Day! If you’re celebrating this day yourself, we’re sending warm hugs your way!
 On August 13, 1992, International Left-Handers Day was founded to raise public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed. In a world designed for the unique needs of right-handed people, let’s also keep in mind the equally unique needs of lefties. Fun Fact: our founder, Natalie, is a lefty!
The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 49/214 on December 23, 1994, designating August 9 as the annual day to celebrate the world's indigenous people. This day is an international day for the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples. We’ve paid tribute to the underrepresented women and their hard work in keeping these cultures alive. Extending their efforts, all of us across the world are urged to help spread this message of preservation.
 In 1782, George Washington awarded the first Purple Heart, which was classified as a Badge of Merit. Due to a lack of funding in the Continental Army at the time, the medal was created to honor enlisted and deserving individuals.
Today we join together to honor those who bravely fought for the country. Their service lives on, and their courage is never forgotten. Happy Purple Heart Day! Here are a few tips for promoting civility anywhere, at any time.
 📣 Calling out everyone committed to advancing their racial equity journey, in the Baltimore area. Join us on Tuesday, August 9th at 5:30p for a public FACTUALITY facilitation, in partnership with @threadbaltimore at @rhousebaltimore FREE: entry, food, & FACTUALITY giveaways Spaces are limited!! Register Here: https://linktr.ee/factuality   Workplace incivility has doubled in the past 20 years. 93% of Americans say that incivility is a problem, with 68% calling it a major issue.
This month, we are unraveling the importance of civility and strengthening its practice as we work our way up to bringing diverse groups together and reducing overall conflict. National Disability Independence Day is being held today in honor of the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This day in 1990 gave hope not only to people with disabilities but also to everyone who fights for a world where everyone is treated fairly. Our efforts don’t stop today, tomorrow, or the day after. We honor the legacies of those who made the ADA possible, pick up where they left off, and work to make the world a better place for future generations.   July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. The history of racism touches society and mental health in ways that should never have been seen.
If you have been impacted by these injustices, know that what you’re feeling is valid. You are not alone, and your mental health matters. We are reminded of the importance of education, taking action, and spreading awareness to build a better and safer space for everyone. Know that you can be part of making a significant change.  Let’s remember the great amount of strength found in this community. Being disabled makes us inherent problem solvers, and innovative thinkers. It allows us to see the world through a unique and valuable lens. For over 30 years, July has been celebrated as Disability Pride Month by members of the disability community. As we highlight our shared equality and unity, we continue to eradicate the shame and sentiments of inferiority that challenge this community.  Nelson Mandela demonstrates an example of defying oppression, justice over disparity, honor over ill-treatment, and love over hate.
Today, we recognize the legacy of a man who shaped the 20th century and influenced the 21st. Happy International Nelson Mandela Day! Every year, for the last few years, we have partnered with Katten to bring the FACTUALITY experience to their Summer Associates. It is beyond important for aspiring attorneys to have access to the facts, especially as we continue to navigate inequitable laws and practices in the US. Thank you Katten for the continued support. Consider FACTUALITY for your DEI needs in the legal field and beyond.  |
