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JLA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Kindness is Key to Living More Inclusively By: Nancy Funkhouser McTyre
The Power of Kindness
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n a time when many are searching for the solution published an article advocating for making kindness a to the divisive issues in our world, the answer may be priority in the workplace. In support, they cited a study something as simple as what we learned as children: of acts of kindness in a real-life workplace. The study kindness. Indeed, many of us who watched Mister Rogers’ concluded that kindness creates a sort of positive ripple Neighborhood on effect permeating television (or even on the whole workplace those good old things culture. Results of “Kindness starts with each one of us. Every called video tapes!) an act of kindness may recall his words: include improving interaction, every conversation is an opportunity employees’ sense of "Imagine what our to extend kindness and grace to others. To echo the wellbeing, receivers neighborhoods would of kindness feeling theme for this year, we can “be the change” that be like if each of us in control at work, offered, as a matter of we want to see in the Junior League, the Austin and, not surprisingly, course, just one kind making employees feel word to another person.” community and the world. “ more accepted (i.e, an - Shannon Creekmur, JLA President – Elect Just imagine, magnified inclusive environment). on a macroscale, those The communal benefit simple, kind words can of kindness is not spur a global change. A change not just in the way we see limited to the workplace. Schools aas a way of teaching each other, but also how we see ourselves. students inclusivity. Indeed, the benefits of kindness in creating an inclusive environment have been well documented. In 2019, Forbes
So, League members, let’s be the change and spread kindness in our community.
Our team of provisional leads celebrated new members at a drive-by meet and greet! Diversity & inclusion is key when recruiting new members. The Junior League of Austin is proud to welcome women aged 25-40.
26 The Junior League of Austin