This past year, the JLSLC created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to create awareness of differences, provide fair treatment, and include each and every one of our members. The Diversity Committee holds regular meetings, leads icebreakers at monthly general membership meetings and writes a diversity corner article in the newsletter. Our League also had our first diversity brunch on Jan. 21, 2023.

Thanks to enthusiastic participation and support, we have been able to establish a positive, open dialogue and highlight how differences can strengthen relationships.

Carolyn Hayden Garner, 2022–2023 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director, shared, “The Diversity Committee is not just a committee that has been assembled to change the organization. It is a committee that has a common goal to bring awareness of our internal differences within the League with the hope that it will propel to our communities. When we are talking about diversity, we are not here to check a box. The intent is that it is deeply felt, valued, and has a commitment to enact change by all of us.”

We encourage all members and sustainers to become more involved and attend future DEI events because together we continue to rise: building better communities, elevating women, and moving mountains.