Equity and Inclusion in the Time of COVID-19

Equity and Inclusion in the Time of COVID-19

By Olivia Le Warn, Engagement Coordinator, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed

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At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, there were some people that saw the novel corona virus as a “great equalizer.” The virus spread across every state and was affecting every demographic, from the common person to celebrities alike. However, as time progressed and more data was collected about the communities hit hardest by COVID-19, it became clear that while the virus itself is incapable of discrimination, systematic inequalities are forcing marginalized populations to shoulder the brunt of the impact.

Pervasive inequities exist in our society, including unequal access to healthcare, over representation of people of color and other marginalized groups in essential jobs (thus increasing exposure), and residence in polluted communities which creates preexisting health conditions.

COVID-19 is pulling back the curtain and bringing systematic inequalities to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness. It is a stark and ever-present reminder that organizations must continue to dedicate themselves to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their workplaces to fight against these disparities.

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With drastic changes to the way we all work taking place almost overnight, nonprofits and other organizations may feel that they do not have the resources for equity and inclusion endeavors. This is far from the truth, as many of the core tenets of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work are well-suited to the current crisis that we are facing. In much the same way that the pandemic has exposed inequalities in our country, working from home is exposing the importance of flexibility and accommodations in the workplace.

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There are many challenges that staff working from home may be facing: caring for young children or elderly family members, difficulties with sufficient internet access for video meetings, feeling disconnected from their colleagues, uncertainty regarding a loved one’s employment status, and countless others. The practices of DEIJ instill the need to first acknowledge these differing circumstances and then finding ways to support one another in accommodating for these differences. This can mean allowing flexible working hours so caregivers are available to their loved ones when needed, or sharing resources for how to care for one’s mental health during this stressful time.

Organizations can engage in creative activities to further the conversation about equity and inclusion, while simultaneously starting a conversation with staff members that will help lessen feelings of isolation. The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed’s DEIJ Work Group recently met, and members shared different ways their organizations are continuing to engage in inclusion and equity work. Check out these ideas and try them out at your organization!

  • Watch a movie/listen to a podcast episode with inclusion and equity themes as a staff and discuss how the film relates to the work you do

  • Complete this Identity Wheel Activity to reflect about the identities you hold, or any one of the many activities in our Trainings Library.

  • Read one of these books as a part of a staff book club.

  • Follow this journaling exercise to practice reflection and mindfulness.

  • Plan how your organization can celebrate awareness months. For example, May is Mental Health Awareness Month Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and June is LBGTQ+ Pride Month.

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As the pandemic continues, we must continue to be inclusive and equitable in our organizations to support one another in these stressful times. When the pandemic eventually ends, it will be the organizations that supported their staff and dedicated time to equity and justice that will be best suited to meet the needs of their membership and accomplish their mission for years to come.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is proud to support its members working on equity and inclusion with a range of resources. To see more of the resources that the Coalition has compiled, please visit our DEIJ Library.