Many of us are scared right now. When there are people who believe they have the right to restrict and strip away someone else’s right and use their power for that purpose, it’s serious and it’s scary. My mentor and teacher, Rev. Deborah L. Johnson, wrote an article in response to Roe v. Wade’s being overturned and offers a perspective on how we can channel our energy, when we’re ready, to ensure no more rights are taken away using the power of our inalienable rights to protect civil rights.

Her article is linked below in the Taking Notes section as well as my post about how every organization does need to say something. If you need help with this, book some time with me below.

We are closing out the month of June — a time to celebrate Pride, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Black Music Appreciation Month, Caribbean Heritage Month and National Immigrant Heritage Month — and before we approach one of the U.S. most celebrated days in history – the 4th of July, the work of learning more about what makes the U.S., us, is vital.

The 4th of July is the birthday of independence and freedom in the U.S. — let’s be clear about the obvious, freedom is not experienced by everyone and can be taken away.

As conscious communicators, be thoughtful of the words your organization uses around 4th of July. We cannot assume or pretend that all of our employees experience the same sense of freedom. Take note on the images you use as well since many previously patriotic symbols and images have been co-opted to mean freedom for few, not for all.

There is a promise we still must live up to and it starts with alignment of our language and our actions. Remember that words can unite, or divide. We choose.

All communication is behavior and all behavior is communication.

Look around and see where you need to partner with employee resource groups and external community organizations who are truly working for everyone’s freedom, for independence, focus on where there’s still such egregious injustice, and be bold in taking meaningful action with them.

Use your power as communicators to help more people feel free, truly free.

What’s really apple pie in the U.S. is the beauty of all that we celebrate in June and across cultural moments. Honor your folks by speaking up for their freedom in their pursuit of happiness.

See below for resources you can utilize to more consciously communicate, celebrate, and consider the varied identities represented in our communities.

This week is our monthly live Zoom with those who pre-order our book. On Thursday, June 30th, we’ll be focusing on “T” in the DEPTH Model and have a special guest who has contributed an article to the book. See below to pre-order then register for the Zoom. See you there.

Best,

Kim

Often organizations will share 4th of July messaging about freedom and use patriotic imagery. However, it’s time to rethink our approach to communicating about the 4th of July. Janets shares more.  

• Roe v. Wade: Change the Conversation by Rev. Deborah L. Johnson

• Yes, your organization needs to say something about Roe v. Wade being overturned

• Experts say tech companies need to get ready for the next SCOTUS decision (Janet is quoted)

• Between National Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Pride month, it’s important to know what Two-Spirit means.

• As Conscious Communicators, we are trying to do something that has never been done before.

• Transgender actress and activist Laverne Cox has been recognized with her own Barbie.

• Janet Stovall shares, When You Say You ‘Don’t See Color,’ This Is What We Really Hear.

When referring to communications regarding Roe v. Wade, here are some inclusive communication approaches:

• Use women, non-binary people and transgender men
• Use reproductive rights/justice/freedom for all
• Include the role of men and what men can do

As you know, we are teaming up to co-author a book called The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t. It’s now available for pre-order.

It’s a guide for organizational communicators to help their communications have more DEPTH to avoid being performative and generating employee and social media backlash. D.E.P.T.H. is a 5-step model to ensure messaging and content are meaningfully and intentionally created through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. 

We bundle your pre-order of our book with a free live Zoom session with us on the last Thursday of each month.

Our next Zoom session with Janet and me is Thursday, June 30th – THIS WEEK!

We will be focusing on “T” in the DEPTH Model and have a special guest who has contributed an article to the book.

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