THE Uvalde, Texas massacre of 19 children is heartbreaking news! Those children died in fear, in a space that was supposed to protect them and keep them safe from harm. My prayers go out to their friends and families. These types of tragic incidents should remind us how fortunate we are in the Marianas. We are fortunate that we have a chance to observe what is going on in the world and have the power to prevent it from reaching our shores.
Our community is changing rapidly with the influx of different people with different values, and we must act now to preserve our culture of love and respect for one another. We all share one common goal and vision of a healthy, prosperous, safe, and welcoming Marianas. I would like to challenge you this Pride Month. Every week, starting June 1st, choose one of 5 goals provided below and put it into action. Everyone working together will bring us one step closer to our vision.
Goals:
1) Look at the policies, benefits, employee trainings and practices in my company/department/organization.
Does it (policies, employee trainings and signs/posters) have an anti-discrimination policy for both customer/client and employees specifically identifying gender identity and sexual orientation as part of sex discrimination? (If your answer is no, T-Project provides LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency and Diversity Trainings, and policy development)
My goal for week _____ is to work with my HR department and T-Project to establish training so that my employees and our customers/clients feel and see that my company is a safe place for all and that we value their diversity and will protect them from harm.
2) My goal for week____ is to contribute $____________ to T-Project. (I understand my contribution is tax deductible and will benefit the CNMI, young and the young at heart, through the many projects and events throughout the years.)
3) I will participate in workplace development for our youth in the T-Project Junior Ambassador Program and teach and inspire them to grow up and become progressive leaders of tomorrow.
(I understand that LGBTQ+ kids, especially trans and non-binary, have a harder time developing socially due to the stigma and bullying they experience daily and develop internal phobia.)
4) My goal for week ___ is to share the Pride Calendar to all my employees. (I understand that by doing this, I am also notifying them of our company and my values of love and respect for one another.)
5) My goal for week ____ is to display pride themed decorations (flags, posters, stickers) in my employee lounge and customer reception area/front counter. T-Project has stickers, shirts, posters, flags both big and small, pins and other materials you may purchase. Please inquire.)
I look forward to hearing from you and I am excited to see the transformation this action plan will bring.
Please be sure to send us pictures of your company values in action! Email t.project.cnmi@gmail.com
Have a blessed day! Let’s go!
Respectfully,
TYRA LYN SABLAN
Executive Director/Founder
T-Project
