On behalf of Black Career Women and the talented,
diverse and committed women who comprise the planning
committee for Can We Talk? National Diversity Forum
2002, I encourage you to plan now to attend this
important event.
As we complete this year of
turbulence caused by the horrifying incidents of 9/11,
all of us in the U.S. have been compelled to cherish
those things for which we are truly grateful, including
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
But we have also been challenged to reassess our
values and beliefs, acknowledging that what we do far
out-distances what we say, in our interactions at home,
in our communities, and all over the world.
Our national consciousness around
understanding differences and the consequences of
unchecked racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and other
forms of intolerance, have been or should have been
abruptly awakened.
Here in Cincinnati, racial
isolation, disrespect, distrust, violence, and the lack
of adequate attention to these simmering issues, have
sadly propelled our city into the national spotlight. Our festering racial issues have caused Cincinnati, once
touted as one of the nation’s most livable cities, to
now be described as one of its most intolerant ones.
Despite best efforts, locally and nationally,
problems persist and the challenge to positively
recognize, value and leverage differences must become a
national priority.
BCW’s Can We Talk? Is not a
reaction to these events, but a 6-year undertaking, by
determined women and our sponsors, to engage in the
difficult dialogue and find solutions.
Importantly, Can We Talk? challenges, informs,
inspires and empowers women to develop strategies for
enhanced workplace relationships that are authentic,
trustworthy, supportive and sustainable.
The goal of Can We Talk? is to
promote personal and organizational change that
eradicates career advancement barriers and improves the
workplace for all.
Working women are now 50% of the workplace.
We certainly should be able to achieve 100% of
this goal.
I invite women of all races and
backgrounds to join BCW in continuing the important work
of, Can We Talk ? 2002 by attending our 2002 Forum.
Get involved, make a difference and expect to be
inspired!
See you there.
Sincerely,
Linda Bates Parker, President,
Black Career Women
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