March DEI Updates

LATEST DEI NEWS

100 “Neighbor Kit” Bags assembled

On Thursday, March 8, HR and DEI sponsored an activity during All-Staff. Each staff member assembled “neighbor kits” of items and supplies to help our housing insecure neighbors who frequent WAC as a public building. The kits included socks, snacks, water and toiletries. They will be distributed both at WAC and the AMP to our neighbors in need. They are available in the Administrative Workroom where Covid kits are located, Box Office, Facilities Office and the Guardshack at AMP.

DEI EDUCATION CORNER

How to Interact with the housing insecure community - notes by Tom DeBari

Below are some important notes regarding interactions with our unhoused population.  Remember that all unhoused people are human beings and are someone's family.  Please treat them with compassion and remember that kindness can also be direct.

Dial 911 only for emergencies – if the person is a danger to themselves or to others, is in need of medical attention, or is unresponsive.

Important Phone Numbers:

Most situations only require a call to the Non-Emergency Police lines. Police in our area have been trained in non-violent, non-escalating interactions with the housing insecure population.

• Rogers  (479) 621-1172

• Fayetteville  (479) 587-3555

Dial 211 for resources and assistance for the unhoused such as

• Temporary housing

• Food pantries

• Warm meals

• Clothing

Safety Notes for Interactions:

• Keep your back to the door.

• Don’t enter an enclosed space where you will be alone or isolated with the person.

• Keep a six-foot distance.

• Go in pairs.

Prompts for restrooms:

• Hi, our restrooms are not an option for the type of cleaning that you are engaged in, I would be happy to reach out to 211 so that we can get you connected with some resources that can really help you. 

• Hi, our restrooms are here for the public to use in a traditional manner. We are equipped for hand washing only, I would be happy to reach out to 211 so that we can get you connected with some resources that can really help you. 

Prompts for stairwell interaction:

• This stairwell is not a place for sleeping, I would be happy to reach out to 211 so that we can get you connected with some resources that can really help you. 

MARCH HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

March 1st – Zero Discrimination Day 

Zero Discrimination Day is an annual observance held on March 1st to promote the right of every individual to live a full and productive life with dignity, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, wealth, or any other status. The day was first observed in 2014 by the United Nations (UN) and is aimed at raising awareness about the negative impact of discrimination and promoting a more inclusive and equitable world. 

Discrimination is a widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world, and it can take many forms, including exclusion, marginalization, and stigmatization. Discrimination can have serious consequences on people's health, education, employment, and access to social services, and can also lead to social unrest, violence, and conflict. 

Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of respecting and valuing diversity, and to promote policies and practices that promote equality and non-discrimination. The day also serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete steps towards ending discrimination and promoting inclusion, compassion, peace human rights for all, and, above all, a movement for change. 

March 21st – International Day of Nowruz 

Nowruz (pronounced no-rooz) is the combination of two Persian words meaning “New Day.”  Also known as the Persian New Year, it is an ancient festival that has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years.   

The festival takes place on the first day of spring, usually March 20th or 21st, and lasts for 13 days. It marks the beginning of a new year and a time of renewal and rebirth. Nowruz is deeply rooted in the Zoroastrian religion, which was the dominant faith in Persia before the spread of Islam, and many of its traditions and rituals are derived from Zoroastrianism. 

Nowruz is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, including the cleaning of homes and the preparation of special foods, such as sabzi polo mahi (herbed rice with fish) and ash reshteh (a noodle soup).  Children bang spoons on cooking pots ‘qashoq zani’ and go around the neighborhood asking for candy or sweets.  People don colorful new clothes, jump over bonfires which is symbolic of burning of all negativity from the previous year, and gather with friends and family to exchange gifts and visit each other's homes. 

Nowruz is an important cultural and national holiday in many countries, and is a symbol of unity and harmony, and promotes the values of peace, friendship, and respect for the environment. In recent years, Nowruz has also become an opportunity for Iranians and other people of Persian and Turkic heritage to celebrate their culture and share it with the wider world.  Read about the Nowruz traditions in more depth here. 

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month began in 1987 with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan and has been recognized every year since.  It aims to increase public understanding of developmental disabilities, promote respect, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with these conditions, and raise awareness on the importance in connecting these individuals to the communities in which they live and supporting them in reaching their full potential. 

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that affect an individual's physical, intellectual, or behavioral development. These conditions can be present at birth or can occur during childhood and can result in significant limitations in areas such as communication, learning, mobility, and self-care. Examples of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. 

 Many thanks to Kelli Parker for this month’s holiday highlights.

INTERESTED IN JOINING DEI? 

 Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here: 

DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf 

February DEI Updates

Latest DEI News

Lunch & Learn hosts Mike Williams of 7 Hills Homeless Center

On Wednesday, February 15, DEI and Lunch Bag Chats held a Lunch & Learn event to learn about our housing-insecure neighbors. We had 10 members of staff attend. Topics discussed included what to do if you find a person sleeping around the WAC facility, building positive relationships with all community members, regardless of housing status, and how WAC can be a force for good in the neighborhood. More on this exciting event will be presented at the upcoming All-Staff meeting.

FEBRUARY HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

February 1st – National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day is a holiday which is celebrated annually on February 1st in the United States. The purpose of this holiday is to not only honor the signing of the 13th amendment on February 1, 1865 – an amendment which outlawed slavery – but it is also a day in which all U.S citizens can celebrate the freedom they share with their fellow Americans. It is also a good day to reflect on the fact that the United States is a country that is dedicated to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality and that all of us citizens should work towards those goals.

How to Observe:

• According to 36 U.S. Code § 124, the President of the United States may issue a proclamation that designates February 1st as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing of the 13th amendment by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865. Each President can decide for themselves if they’re going to proclaim the holiday for that year. On this day, some people take time out of their busy schedules to honor freedom and equality.

February 3rd - National Day The Music Died Day

National the Day the Music Died Day is a holiday that remembers one of the saddest days in music history and is observed on February 3rd every year. This day commemorates the death of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P Richardson (The Big Bopper). These three musicians died on February 3, 1959, in an airplane accident in Iowa. This tragic event has echoed throughout the years as people still make the trip to Clear Lake, Iowa every to honor the memories of these musicians. This event was also memorialized in the 1972 Don McLean hit “American Pie.”

 How to Observe:

• Every year, people from all over the world visit the resort town of Clear Lake, Iowa to commemorate the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper on this day. Of course, people don’t have to make a special trip to observe this holiday.

• They can simply listen to the music of these musicians, or the Don McLean song American Pie. People can also use the hashtag #DaytheMusicDied on social media to spread awareness about this day.

February 20th – World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20th every year and is designed to be a day on which people can focus on the urgent need for social justice in the world. Whether it’s poverty, human rights, unemployment, gender inequality, or exclusion, there is a myriad of problems that face the world and must be solved. This is a day on which people can come together and focus on these problems to create a better world. 

A few facts about Social Justice

• The five main principles of social justice include equity, resources, diversity, participation, and human rights.

• Minority and low-income Americans tend to live and work in areas exposed to pollution disproportionately.

•  Globally, women only earn 73% of men’s wages on average. 

•  16 million girls between the ages of 6 and 11 will never begin school. 

How to Observe:

• People interested in observing World Social Justice Day can do so by donating their time or money to organizations that promote social justice issues.

• People can also use the hashtag #WorldSocialJusticeDay to promote this holiday on their social media accounts as well.

Some fun unofficial days to remember:

• February 2nd –            Play your Ukulele Day

• February 4th –            National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

• February 6th –            Pride in Food Service Week (Thank you F&B!!!)

• February 7th –            National Send a Card to a Friend Day

• February 8th –            Laugh and Get Rich Day

• February 13th –          National Football Hangover Day

• February 16th -            National Do a Grouch a Favor Day

• February 18th -            National Drink Wine Day

• February 20th -            National Hoodie Hoo Day: I know you’re probably thinking…”What?!”The main custom of this odd holiday is to go out on February 20th at noon, raise your hands over your head and yell, “Hoodie Hoo!!” for all the world to hear. 

• February 26th -            National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

 Many thanks to Kristin Coffman for this month’s holiday highlights.

INTERESTED IN JOINING DEI? 

 Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here: 

DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf 

January DEI Updates

LATEST DEI NEWS

• Parental Leave Policy: Earlier this month, Walton Arts Center enacted a parental leave policy to support the new and growing families of our full-time staff. This policy was designed by the Executive Committee in conjunction with discussion and advice from members of the DEI Committee. We are excited to have this policy in place as we work towards making WAC a more inclusive work environment. You can read and review the policy here:

  Parental Leave Policy 012023_28765237.docx

• Home for the Holidays Drive: Thank you to those who participated in our Home for the Holidays Drive, bringing in holiday objects of significance and donating household items to the Peace at Home Shelter! We plan to make this an annual tradition at WAC, so stay tuned for next year’s drive.

DEI Education Corner

“I am an artist because I am endlessly fascinated by the raw edge of

physical beauty.” - Andrew Kilgore

This month’s education lesson is an assignment. For over 50 years, photographer Andrew Kilgore has captured genuine moments of openness and vulnerability in special groups of people who share the quality of being marginalized or “unseen” by the general public.  Historically Andrew has intentionally sought out diverse subjects to photograph to ensure his fine art images represent the underrepresented diversity of those who live in the State of Arkansas. Take a few minutes to visit the Kilgore exhibit this month.

 Joy Pratt Markham Gallery, Walton Arts Center

January 6 – March 19, 2023

January Holiday Highlights:

January is International Brain Teaser Month: Mental stimulation by doing puzzles and riddles is known to prevent cognitive decline as we get older. They can help memory and focus. Riddles date all the way back to the 5th century

How to Observe:

• Plan a daily mental challenge - Try out a Rubix cube or a book of brain teasers

• Solve puzzles you typically wouldn’t - Attempt working out things that you wouldn’t normally try like word games or math problems

• Create online challenges - Send invites and play games with friends and family on your phone.

National Pizza Week - January 8-14: This is a week-long celebration that starts on the second Sunday in January. It’s thought to be that the Egyptians and Greeks made the first pizza in the form of a flatbread with olive oil and herbs. Then when Roman armies entered Greece and Egypt, they adopted some of their cuisines, including this flatbread pizza. During the occupation of Italy by allied forces, American soldiers ate lots of Italian food and when the war ended, they brought back the recipe for pizza to America. There are reports that state 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second in the U.S.

How to Observe:

• Make your own pizza - Grab some ingredients from the store and make it your own

• Host a pizza party - Invite some friends over and try out a variety of everyone’s favorite pizzas

• Share the goodness with the homeless - Share a slice with someone in need. Many pizza places have a “buy a slice/take a slice” policy to help those with food insecurity - ask at the counter!

National Arkansas Day - January 11 - Arkansas is the 25th state to become part of the Union. It is called the Wonder State or Natural State because of its abundance of parks and water. The capital is Little Rock, the mockingbird is the state insignia, the flower is the apple blossom, and its tree is the pine. Arkansas originated from the word “acansaw” and its territory initially was occupied by the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw. In 1541, the first European explorer to visit Arkansas was Spaniard Hernando De Soto and then was later explored by Frenchmen, the first to settle down was Henri De Tonty in 1681. He created a European settlement in the Quapaw village called The Arkansas Post.

How to Observe:

• Visit Arkansas - Or, in our case, visit someplace new in Arkansas.

• Read up on its history - hop online or go find out what your local library has and learn more about Arkansas.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of January every year. The idea of the holiday was first promoted by labor unions. After King’s death, U.S. Representative John Conyers and U.S. Senator Edward Brooke introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. When it came to vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979 it failed. In 1981 Stevie Wonder hosted the Rally for Peace Press conference and six million signatures were collected for a petition for Congress to pass the law. It’s considered the largest petition in favor of an issue. President Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Rep Katie Hall, on November 2, 1983. It passed Senate by 78 to 22 and the House by 338 to 90. The first observation was January 20, 1986. It is observed on the 3rd Monday instead of directly on his birthday to follow the guidelines of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

How to Observe:

• Learn MLK’s full history and narrative - Take some time to become more informed about MLK. Read his works as well as the ones written by his family.

• Support the Black community and racial justice - Take time to understand and support civil rights and the issues facing communities of color. Despite the progress MLK and his contemporaries made in the civil rights movement, there is still much more work to be done.

• Have a conversation - Having discussions about racial injustice is important. These conversations can educate each other, share experiences with one another, and work to create a better future.

 Korean New Year - January 22: The Korean New Year or “Seollal” is a festival and national holiday marking the first day of the Korean calendar. It is the most important traditional Korean holiday. It occurs in January or February on the second new moon after the winter solstice unless there is an intercalary 11th or 12th month in the lead-up to the New Year. Seollal has its roots in traditional Chinese Confucianism and usually lasts 3 days - The day before, the New Year itself, and the day after. Like the Chinese New Year, each year celebrates a different animal - mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The order is thought to be based on the sequence in which they were invited to see Buddha. The first recorded history that celebrated Seollal dates back to 57 B.C. in Silla, an old kingdom. '

How to Observe:

• “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” in Korean means “Please receive a lot of luck in the new year”

• Give gifts - It is customary to give and receive gifts which extend beyond homes to workplaces. Companies usually give their employees gifts.

• Play folk games - Folk games are a big part of the New Year. The most popular game is “Yut Nori,” a traditional board game. Men sometimes go out and fly kites while women participate in “Neolttwigi,” a game similar to seesaw except participants stand on each end and propel the other person into the air.

• Eat Korean Food - Most large gatherings in any culture revolve largely around food, and Korea is no exception. Tteokguk (rice cake soup) is a popular comfort food. Check out some of the local Korean restaurants in the area to try out something new, like Spoon Fusion Korea Oh K-Dog right on Dickson St.

Thanks to Leslie Cowles for this month’s Holiday Highlights!

INTERESTED IN JOINING DEI? 

 Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here: 

DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf 

December DEI Updates

What has dei been working on?

Home for the Holidays – December often presents a conundrum for secular businesses – to decorate or not to decorate? Rather than putting a moratorium on all festive decorations, the DEI committee elected to fully embrace and give everyone a chance to share their respective winter traditions. We invite all employees to bring in a decoration that celebrates your traditions (ornament, menorah, wall hanging, etc.), and fill out the provided tag to explain the tradition’s background. Decorations will be displayed in the Admin building lobby, on the tree or the table beside it, for all to admire. Items will be returned to their owners after New Year’s! 

To embrace a spirit of giving, DEI is also sponsoring a “Home for the Holidays” goods and housewares drive. We invite you to donate new or gently used home goods, which will be given to the Peace at Home shelter.  Items they currently need include:

www.peaceathomeshelter.org

• twin and full-sized sheets 

• pillows 

• towels (all sizes) 

• batteries (AA & AAA) 

• pots & pans 

• silverware 

• cleaning supplies 

• paper towels 

• non-perishable food items 

• baby supplies 

 Items can be placed on the shelf next to the tree in the admin lobby. Members of the DEI committee will drop off goods before December 24.  Thank you for participating in these holiday activities! 

dei education corner

Effective communication with NESB (Non-English-Speaking Background) coworkers and patrons 

We live and work in an increasingly diverse community. According to the Northwest Arkansas Council, our area is one of the most rapidly changing in terms of demographics. As of 2022, the population is 30% nonwhite, a significant increase from 5% 30 years ago. The expansion of our area is very exciting but presents challenges such as language barriers, and opportunities to overcome those barriers and continue serving our patrons.  Here are some common barriers we might encounter and solutions to employ when communicating with someone who has a Non-English-Speaking background: 

1. Social Conventions: An increase in multiculturalism brings with it an array of different appearances, ages, attire, and conventions. For example, the United States has the highest workplace “smile score” in the world – meaning we are culturally conditioned to smile at everyone. A business interaction with a nonsmiling colleague may take us aback, but us grinning our faces off may give them a similar pause! If there is an interaction that brings unease, take time to ask a clarifying question – you will probably learn something new about their culture. 

2. Appearance Assumptions:  Don’t assume someone does not speak English just because they look or behave differently. This extends beyond cultural diversity to patrons in need of disability accommodation or older patrons. If someone has an aide or companion, it’s best to address them only after first trying to speak with the primary patron.    

3. Language Barriers: If you are having difficulty communicating with an employee or patron due to a language barrier, try the following: 

   • Slow down your speech: Speaking at a slower rate will help anyone who is less familiar with the language. Oftentimes ESL speakers comprehend well, but a high rate of speech makes it difficult for them to keep up with the conversation. By speaking at an appropriate pace, you’ll make it easier on the ESL speaker you are interacting with and allow them to get more out of the conversation. However, be careful not to speak to someone like they’re dumb. It’s easy to come off as condescending when speaking slowly. 

   • Enunciate clearly and use voice intonation: enunciate clearly so your contact can understand what you’re saying. Pronounce your words fully and remember to pause when needed, such as between sentences or subject matters. Tone of voice can signify various moods and emotions and can help deliver the message you are trying to convey. Use it to your benefit. 

•  Use body language: Body language can make interactions clearer no matter what languages your contacts speak. Hand gestures help give context to your speech and can both prompt and signal different messages. The way you position your head, and your facial expressions can also provide context. Your stance, or posture, can also give off certain vibes. Whether you want to be seen as casual or professional, the appropriate stance can convey your message. How you position your arms can signal your mood – serious, relaxed, not amused, etc. As always, for effective communication, be sure to make eye contact during your interaction. 

DECEMBER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

December 1 - World AIDS Day 

December 1 is World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Each World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme, and the 2022 theme is Equalize. UNAIDS is urging each of us to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS. This year’s theme joins a growing list of challenges that World AIDS Day has alerted people to globally. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever international day for global health. Every year, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join to campaign around specific themes related to HIV. 

How to observe:  

• Get tested – thanks to advances in science and advocacy, testing, prevention, and treatment for HIV/AIDS today is better than ever before. Talk to your doctor about getting tested, to keep you and those around you safe and healthy. 

• Advocate – Many observe World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, writing to world leaders on the importance of universal healthcare, and attending events. 

• Donate – there are many worthy causes dedicated to the worldwide eradication of HIV/AIDS, and all of them need funding. Check out https://broadwaycares.org/, amfAR , or AIDS United  to find out what these groups are doing to end HIV/AIDS.  

December 16 - Day of Reconciliation  

In apartheid South Africa, December 16 was known as Day of the Vow, as the Voortrekkers (in preparation for the Battle of Blood River on December 16, 1838 against the Zulus) took a Vow before God that they would build a church and that they and their descendants would observe the day as a day of thanksgiving should they be granted victory. Also, on December 16 in 1961, the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC), was formed. These two significant events in the history of South Africa prompted the government to make it a public holiday. South Africa's first non-racial and democratic government was tasked with promoting reconciliation and national unity. One way in which it aimed to do this symbolically was to acknowledge the significance of the 16 December in both the Afrikaner and liberation struggle traditions and to rename this day as the Day of Reconciliation. On 16 December 1995, the Day of Reconciliation was celebrated as a public holiday in South Africa for the first time. 

• People observe the Day of Reconciliation by seeing performances throughout South Africa, enjoying public gardens and heritage sites, eating local foods, and remembering Nelson Mandela, one of the first Black lawyers in South Africa, whose activism and imprisonment was instrumental in the ending of Apartheid.  

• Learn more by visiting: https://www.gov.za/ReconciliationDay2022 

December 21 - National Coquito Day 

Coquito is the traditional Christmas drink of Puerto Rico. Coquito means "little coconut" in Spanish and is made with Puerto Rican rum, coconut milk, coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk, sometimes flavored with the addition of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. National Coquito Day was launched in 2018 by Destilería Serrallés, the makers of Don Q (a popular rum in Puerto Rico), to pay homage to the festive beverage. The Puerto Rico-based producers boast a rum-making history dating back to more than 153 years across 6 generations. 

• Observe National Coquito Day by concocting your own coquito. Here’s a recipe to get you started: Classic Puerto Rican Coquito Recipe  

December 26 - Kwanzaa (lasts through January 1) 

Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. It is meant to be celebrated by anyone with African heritage, but anyone is welcome to join in celebrations with their family and friends. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. These principles are: 

• Umoja (Unity),  

• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination),  

• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),  

• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics),  

• Nia (Purpose),  

• Kuumba (Creativity), and  

• Imani (Faith). 

Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.  

Kwanzaa is observed by: 

• Creating and displaying Adinkra symbols. Adinkra symbols originated in Ghana with the Akan people. The symbols are used to pass on traditional wisdom. You can see them here: Adinkra Coloring Pages 

• Lighting the Kinara. A seven-branched candle holder, the Kinara has seven candles to represent each of the seven Kwanzaa principles. One candle is lit for each of the seven days Kwanzaa is celebrated.  

• Food! Meals play a large part in the celebration of Kwanzaa. Throughout the week, favorite African American dishes, as well as traditional African, Caribbean, and South American recipes, are on many menus. Renowned author and culinary historian Jessica B. Harris shares some suggestions on cooking and celebrating throughout the week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM5eI7NdzlE 

INTERESTED IN JOINING DEI? 

 Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here: 

DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf 

November DEI Updates

What has DEI been working on?

A comfy chair and a bulletin board waiting for your photos of family and pets!

• Lactation/Quiet Sensory Space – First introduced at September’s all-staff meeting, the DEI Committee is proud to share our completed Lactation/Quiet Sensory space, available to Walton Arts Center year-round employees and visiting artists. The space is designed for the comfort of lactating people in our building, as well as a place for employees to take a quiet break and reset before continuing with their workday. The room is equipped with a comfortable chair and ottoman, screens for privacy, and a refrigerator for storing breastmilk, as well as a sound machine, a meditation playlist, and objects of comfort. The lactation space reflects our compliance with Arkansas state law 621, which requires employers to provide reasonable time and accommodations to nursing and lactating persons. The additional use of the room as a quiet/sensory break space acknowledges both our desire to make effective use of our building space and concern for our employees’ emotional well-being. It is in room 210, located on the second floor of the administration building.   If you are interested in using the space, you can reserve it on Microsoft Teams as you would any other room. If you are not on Teams, please speak with your supervisor for reservation assistance. Visiting artists will be made aware of the available space during their time at Walton Arts Center and work with an employee liaison to access the room.

• REvolve Next Steps – Building off our successful sessions with REvolve over the past year, we as a staff are ready to deepen our understanding and skills through further training. While our HR staff is currently undergoing their own specific training with REvolve, the entire staff will have the opportunity to participate in Intermediate/Advanced Staff training both online AND in-person with the REvolve team this spring.  The next phase of training will include understanding social identities, ideologies, and positions of power in relation to equitable workplace practices. Staff members who complete this training will be invited to form small groups called RISE teams, which will center collaborative work around EDIB issues and solutions for the Walton Arts Center.

• The Free to Be Kind Project – The DEI Committee, in conjunction with the Sustainability Committee, is working to provide free menstrual products to our employees, artists and patrons while supporting our local community artists. Enter Dina Benbrahim, Endowed Assistant Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Arkansas. Dina is the director of The Kind Project, which reimagines “the cold coin-operated period products dispenser for a kinder, more resourceful, inclusive, and accessible dispenser for menstruating folx in our community.” They are currently partnered with the Fayetteville Public Library. Walton Arts Center will be their second community partnership. We hope to have four Kind Project dispensers in our public restrooms by Spring 2023.

• DEI Vision and Values – Have you thought about joining the DEI committee in the past? Now is your chance! We, along with HR and the Executive team, have codified our committee purpose and parameters in a Vision, Values and Agreements document:

  DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf

  Anyone who wishes to join the committee must read through the document, sign, and submit it to sstinson@waltonartscenter.org. DEI membership is available to all year-round employees who wish to undertake the work of improving the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of staff and patrons.

DEI EDUCATION CORNER

What’s in a Name – or Pronoun?

Pronouncing someone’s name correctly and remembering their pronouns is a wonderful sign of respect to your coworkers. Many of us have heard or seen someone announcing their pronouns, either when introducing themselves or signing off in correspondence. If this is something you have struggled with in the past, you may have found yourself giving someone a nickname, laughing it off, or avoiding them all together to save embarrassment. Here are two tutorials in becoming a name and pronoun expert!

DEI Slide Deck Name Pronunciation.pptx

Why Pronouns Matter

NOVEMBER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER 7 - National Cancer Awareness Day

National Cancer Awareness Day was first founded in 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan to increase awareness about cancer prevention and early detection for the public. The date was chosen to honor Nobel-prize winning scientist Madame Marie Curie, who is remembered for her discovery of radium and polonium, and her hug contributions to the fight against cancer. Her work led to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Here’s how to observe National Cancer Awareness Day:

• Get a screening

  • Early detection of cancer can be lifesaving. Book an appointment and get tested!

•      Inform friends and family about early detection

  • Today is all about informing those you love about the prevention of cancer. Look online or give an informational booklet to generate awareness.

• Read up on Madame Marie Currie

  • The scientist was born in 1867 and is noted for her brilliant work leading to the development of cancer treatments.

NOVEMBER 8 - Cook Something Bold & Pungent Day

Though its origins are unknown, this day is celebrated annually around the world by cooking bold and pungent foods - or, in other words, food that will knock your socks off! Any recipe with lots of spices, flavorful condiments, or fragrances can be considered bold. As for pungent, any food with a strong smell will qualify, including garlic, mustard or even eggs. Cook Something Bold and Pungent day was designed to show recognition and raise awareness for cooking. How to celebrate Cook Something Bold & Pungent day:

• Cook something bold and pungent!

  • With a bit of imagination, you can create a surprisingly original, bold, and pungent dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, spices, and aromas.

• Host a potluck

  • Host a potluck with your friends and encourage everyone to bring their own bold and pungent dish!

• Try new spices

  • Go to the store and get spices, essences, and flavorful vegetables that you’ve never /don’t usually use. You might be surprised at the strange and interesting foods you can find!

NOVEMBER 10 - International Accounting Day (Brought to you by the finance team)

Does the sign of a ledger make your head spin? That’s why we have accountants to figure it all out for you! The school system, banks, religious institutions, and the government wouldn’t be able to survive without those dedicated number crunchers! Records show that accounting dates as far back as 5,000 B.C., where there are documents of an accounting system to track the exchange of goods between temples. Further evidence shows accounting in ancient Egypt and Babylonia, but the most comprehensive findings belonged to the Roman Empire. Here’s how to observe International Accounting Day:

• Buy an accountant coffee (or their preferred drink)

  • Besides being a recognized gesture of appreciation, a caffeinated drink is a wonderful way to make sure your accountants are alert and focused while combing through all those numbers

• Make an accountant’s job easier

  • Take extra care to enter all your Expense Management data in correctly and on time….please….

NOVEMBER 24 - Thanksgiving Day

America’s Thanksgiving, born in the 1600s, now stands as one of the nation’s most anticipated and beloved days. Family, friends, and food have come to symbolize Thanksgiving and the day urges all of us to be grateful for the things we have. While many associate the holiday with good memories, we must recognize that for many in the Indigenous community, this holiday serves as a harmful reminder of how their land was stolen from them during colonization, how many of their people were killed, and how their culture was nearly stripped from them. The “first” thanksgiving day happened in 1621 and was celebrated by the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Native Americans at Plymouth. Religious scholars argue that Catholic Spanish explorer held a “Mass of Thanksgiving” in present day Florida in the 1500s, making that the “first” thanksgiving.       

Here is how you can observe Thanksgiving:

• Volunteer

  • Community service is a great way to give back to those less fortunate and provide an opportunity for the whole family to do something good. Check out your local community organizations for information on food banks or other places that serve a Thanksgiving meal to those in need.

• Bake a pie

  • Pies are one of the classics! And there are records of pies being served at the first Thanksgiving, so you would be participating in an authentic tradition.

Interested in joining the DEI Committee?

Have a look at our Vision, Values and Agreements statement. Each member, new and existing, will be required to sign the agreement before their first meeting. The statement outlines expectations for all members of the committee, and guidelines for participation in projects and meetings. You can view the statement here:

DEI Vision and Values Agreement.pdf