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May DEI Observances and Ideas

Posted on May. 11, 2023  /  Subscribe 0

There are a lot of significant diversity, equity and inclusion recognition events that PR pros will want to keep in mind this month, including: 

Mental Health Awareness Month

This observance aims to fight stigmas, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. It also brings attention to mental health practices and how essential it is to overall health and wellbeing.

Jewish American Heritage Month 

In 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month, honoring and paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society.  

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This acknowledges the accomplishments and contributions of AAPI communities to the United States – and the world – through their voices, skills, activism, food, fashion or music.

Ideas

• Discuss the significance of these observances in your organization's diversity and/or employee resource groups.
• Share a social media post/tribute about what these observances mean to you personally.
• Coordinate an internal learning opportunity for your organization. 
• Invite multiple voices to contribute to a blog post that speaks to their experience of their culture, celebrations, issues, recognition and awards, etc. 
• Identify opportunities to acknowledge these communities throughout the year by celebrating the birthday of a community leader, hosting a book club or film watch party, and more.
• Engage diverse people and points of view in discussions on a routine basis, not just during their community’s observance month.

How is your organization embracing these May DEI observances?

Written by PRSA Detroit's Diversity Committee

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