Jargon be gone

This week I delivered some training on equality, diversity, and inclusion to a group of charity CEOs. A key goal of the session was to get beyond the jargon. One of my key bugbears is the word “diversity” which means different things to different people at different times. In some contexts it can mean you’ve recruited one woman in a group of men, in others white people use it as code for racial diversity. In itself it doesn’t mean either. It just means different-ness. And if it means different then you have to ask different from what?

That woman is different from that group of men. That person of colour is different from that group of white people. If you’re using the word diversity to mean something you aspire to then think carefully about what you’ve got now as the dominant group and what difference you’re looking for. And why.

We also explored the intrinsic connection between charities’ missions and equity and social justice. Many people in the group thought that linking issues like equality and inclusivity to their organisations’ purpose would help staff and volunteers understand its importance.

And JFC. There’s something very, very wrong at Amnesty International. Here are its objectives and here and here is what’s been going on internally. It just beggars belief that an organisation that is supposed to “promote human rights” can behave in this way.

It was a good week to listen to this podcast from John Amaechi. “A culture is defined by the worst behaviour tolerated.” Indeed.

Interesting and useful links 🖇️

I found this thread on gender binaries the other day and learned a lot:

A FREE toolkit for the creative and cultural sector to take measurable action against racism.

Ten ways to make digital communications more accessible.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation issued a statement acknowledging the origin of their original endowment and the links with Joseph Rowntree’s business interests to slavery and indentured labour.

The consulting firm, McKinsey, issued their ten actions and commitments towards racial diversity

Learning points 🎓

I was in a discussion with someone about times when someone put you down and it reminded me of being told that I was never going to progress unless I “played the game.” I answered that I didn’t even play the game in the school playground.

And that was the end of that career path. Hey ho.

Day of the Week 📆

April 22 is Stephen Lawrence Day. It’s 28 years since his murder and it’s an important moment to remember him and reflect on honouring him by doing everything we can to work towards racial justice.

(I looked back and discovered I’d marked Stephen Lawrence Day this time last year too. But since then lots more subscribers so who cares?!)

And, yet, in this same week the UN had this to say about the UK’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: “The distortion and falsification of these historic facts may license further racism, the promotion of negative racial stereotypes, and racial discrimination.”

The work continues.

What am I watching? 👀

I enjoyed the Peanut Butter Falcon, a film about Zak, a boy with Down Syndrome who runs away from his residential home to follow his dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. Zak is played by Zack Guttsagen who has Down syndrome himself and the story draws heavily on his personality and experiences. It’s on Netflix.

What am I listening to? 👂

Love this track, Icarus by Fana Hues

which lifts a riff from Midnight Cowboy by John Barry - the theme to one of my favourite films.

Joy-giving things 😍

I went for a walk in the ancient woodland, Piles Coppice, very close to the somewhat un-ancient Toll Bar End in Coventry. The wood was recently acquired by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, which plans to introduce a programme of cyclical thinning and coppicing in order to encourage new young growth.

“Warwickshire is among the least wooded counties in the UK, which in turn is one of the least wooded countries in Europe.”

Have a lovely weekend. Go outside but don’t forget to layer up!

Lucy x

PS. Do you ever have moments when you think, “I am exactly where I need to be, and I’m doing exactly what I need to do?” At the grand old age of nearly 53, I’ve felt that this week and I’m very grateful.

I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing progressive ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world.

Share it with your friends so they can read it too 📣

ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org. If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and, LinkedIn.

If it’s your first time reading this newsletter, find out more here.