Allyship and Equity Community

We had a great discussion in the Allyship & Equity Committee meeting today regarding Intentional Inclusion and Belonging at Work.  With the ever changing workforce, newer generations of employees are more socially aware and want to work for organizations that align with their values.  Inclusion is not just about having a seat at the table, but also about being given the space to shape conversation.  

We discussed hiring practices, changes to verbiage used by companies in their job descriptions to help attract talent from a wider employee pool and how private companies may have a slight advantage in the ability to use words relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in their job postings over public entities that risk the loss of government funding if using those same practices.  Belonging can take place in small pockets or groups and does not have to encompass every aspect or group that you come into contact with on a daily basis.  The overall consensus is that as long as we keep moving forward and leave a lasting impact on the culture of our workplaces for the next generation we are doing the right thing.  

What types of Intentional Inclusion are being used in your organization?  Do you feel that trying to include diversity in your hiring practices can be easily accomplished or are their obstacles to implementing it?  How does Belonging integrate into your organizational culture?

------------------------------
Brandon Patocka
Engineering Technician II
City of Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha NE
------------------------------

Our committee has leaned into the hard discussions even in these trying political times when what we are working towards is under attack.

I almost didn't continue with this committee because I didn't see space for me in it.  I am older than most and after going through fifty-two years in the job mart.  Suffering the misogyny, racism, passive aggressive behavior and the list goes on and on, my belief in the country finding solid solutions like other countries have was at a low.  Honestly it is probably lower now than two years ago, but I want to be part of the solution, not an angry, hopeless by stander.

I have found open expression, and everyone's ability to be heard happening and I thank leadership for that.  There are plenty of times I don't speak because I don't want to share my personal stories however I realize how important that is to our turning a corner and making change.

I think that just sharing our opening discussions would be helpful.  If there is a way to post them even to our podcast page, it is an opportunity to enlighten.  I hope corporate America at least continues to make gains in this area of inclusion.  I have little hope for Municipalities; the political dynamic makes it easier to do things as usual.  Thank you to the group for continuing to encourage some of the best conversation.  

Wish we could have an in-person meeting at IPMI.

Best,

Faye

------------------------------
Faye Morrison
Parking Manager
City of Manchester, New Hampshire Parking Division
Manchester NH
------------------------------

We can plan an informal meeting for dinner or happy hour or something at IPMI for those who want to attend. I think it would be a great gathering. Humanity is under attack and we all have to work to maintain respect and civility and provide support for those of us willing to do the work.

------------------------------
Vanessa Cummings
CEO
Ms. V Consulting, LLC
Oxford OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2026 15:56
From: Faye Morrison
Subject: Intentional Inclusion and Belonging at Work

Our committee has leaned into the hard discussions even in these trying political times when what we are working towards is under attack.

I almost didn't continue with this committee because I didn't see space for me in it.  I am older than most and after going through fifty-two years in the job mart.  Suffering the misogyny, racism, passive aggressive behavior and the list goes on and on, my belief in the country finding solid solutions like other countries have was at a low.  Honestly it is probably lower now than two years ago, but I want to be part of the solution, not an angry, hopeless by stander.

I have found open expression, and everyone's ability to be heard happening and I thank leadership for that.  There are plenty of times I don't speak because I don't want to share my personal stories however I realize how important that is to our turning a corner and making change.

I think that just sharing our opening discussions would be helpful.  If there is a way to post them even to our podcast page, it is an opportunity to enlighten.  I hope corporate America at least continues to make gains in this area of inclusion.  I have little hope for Municipalities; the political dynamic makes it easier to do things as usual.  Thank you to the group for continuing to encourage some of the best conversation.  

Wish we could have an in-person meeting at IPMI.

Best,

Faye

------------------------------
Faye Morrison
Parking Manager
City of Manchester, New Hampshire Parking Division
Manchester NH
------------------------------