“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas Edison
As of Oct. 1, 2024, the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) assumed leadership of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. CEO Action for Inclusion and Diversity is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
CEO Action is now the largest business-led initiative to advance I&D in the workplace, with more than 2,500 CEOs having pledged to create more inclusive cultures while not being afraid of having difficult conversations about inclusion and diversity.
CEO Action Best Practice: Over 90% of CEO Action pledged companies to plan and schedule their DEI calendar celebrations 90-days in advance of the event date!
DEI calendar celebrations are important because they actively promote inclusivity and cultural awareness within an organization by acknowledging and celebrating significant dates related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which helps employees feel valued, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates a more supportive work environment where different perspectives are recognized and appreciated; essentially, it helps build a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture by raising awareness about various cultures and backgrounds.
Embrace Inclusion, Never Miss Important Dates!
- Save Time and Streamline Diversity Event Planning: Streamline your diversity educational event planning and save valuable time by making firm plans 90 days in advance which provides a comprehensive series of important diversity dates, reducing the need for extensive research and planning at the last minute.
- Avoid Conflicts with Respectful Scheduling: Ensure meetings and events are scheduled three months ahead with sensitivity by avoiding creating meetings or events on observed holidays, ensuring respectful and inclusive planning.
- Why “Checking the Box” Isn’t Enough: Whether it’s gaining senior leadership buy-in or, lack of resources, some companies announce DEI calendar celebration educational events at the last minute, without adequate lead time. This can cause employees to believe that the company leadership lacks genuine DEI commitment and view calendar recognition educational events as ‘check-box’ DEI activities—that have little impact but are still implemented for the sake of the company’s reputation.
Upcoming DEI Calendar Educational Events To Confirm Now
The most anticipated DEI Calendar celebrations by employes at CEO Action companies in the first six months of the year are:
- January 20: Martin Luther King Day 2025 is an annual federal American holiday that celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15). It celebrates the life and achievements of this influential American civil rights leader. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the principles of nonviolent social change and racial equality that Dr. King advocated for.
- February 1-28: Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The celebration provides the chance to recognize, celebrate, Black achievement and provide a fresh reminder to take stock of where systemic racism persists and give visibility to the people and organizations creating change.
- March 1-31: Women’s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. T his month serves as a time to honor the achievements and contributions that women of all backgrounds have made throughout the history of the United States, both by remembering those who paved the way in the struggle for gender equity in the United States, and by recognizing the history-makers and barrier breakers of today.
- April 1-30: Celebrate Diversity Month is celebrated in April to recognize and honor the diversity of the world. It was started in 2004 to encourage people to understand and appreciate the differences and similarities between people, and to build a more tolerant world. It brings attention to the diverse tapestry of human experiences and encourages people to actively consider the perspectives of others beyond their own.
- May 1-31: Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. 75% of workers say they have experienced at least one mental health challenge either “sometimes” or “often” during the past year, with 37% struggling with mental health issues “often.” Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to promote mental health in the workplace and support employees with education and allyship.
- June 1-June 30: LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a monthlong observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, commemorating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and community at work and in society. Half of LGBTQ+ employees have experienced job discrimination. Many use “covering “ behaviors to avoid harassment, such as not talking about their personal lives. One-third of LGBTQ+ employees have left a job due to how they were treated. Gen Z is set to make up 30% of the workforce by 2030, and more than 1 in 4 Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+.
Final Thoughts
Most often Inclusive Leaders Group (ILG) collaborates with HR, DEI, and/or Employee Resource Group leaders to plan and execute DEI calendar celebration education events. By planning two series of six events per year: January – June and July – December, our clients save money. Locking in on a six event series 60-90 months in advance saves ILG instructional design costs and select and assign the most appropriate facilitator for each event more efficiently. This enables ILG to pass on the rapidly approaching cost savings to clients with a discounted package price for three (3) or more sessions.
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” – Peter F. Drucker
See what our satisfied clients think about our speaking capabilities for your upcoming DEI Calendar Educational Events!
