JLA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Kindness is Key to Living More Inclusively

By: Nancy Funkhouser McTyre

The Power of Kindness

In a time when many are searching for the solution to the divisive issues in our world, the answer may be something as simple as what we learned as children: kindness. Indeed, many of us who watched Mister Rogers’ published an article advocating for making kindness a priority in the workplace. In support, they cited a study of acts of kindness in a real-life workplace. The study concluded that kindness creates a sort of positive ripple

Neighborhood on effect permeating television (or even on the whole workplace those good old things called video tapes!) “Kindness starts with each one of us. Every culture. Results of an act of kindness may recall his words: interaction, every conversation is an opportunity include improving "Imagine what our neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” to extend kindness and grace to others. To echo the theme for this year, we can “be the change” that we want to see in the Junior League, the Austin community and the world. “ employees’ sense of wellbeing, receivers of kindness feeling in control at work, and, not surprisingly, making employees feel more accepted (i.e, an

Just imagine, magnified - Shannon Creekmur, JLA President – Elect 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 So, League members, let’s be the change and spread environment have been well documented. In 2019, Forbes 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.