April 2021
It seems everyone is talking about the "human condition” these days. Have you heard that term lately as well? I did some research to try to figure out what exactly the term “human condition” even means. Wikipedia states that the human condition is all of the characteristics and key events that compose the essentials of human existence, including birth, growth, emotion, aspiration, conflict and mortality. Essentially, we are products of our own unique human condition. We are searching for the meaning of life in the midst of the commotion that surrounds us. That search leads to mistakes, to misunderstanding, to enlightenment, and to love.
Maria Shriver writes a blog every week. Her words are often inspirational. Last week she wrote about the human condition. She started with a “ready or not”, then suggested that we need to be ready to take a deep breath as we move into these next few months. We need to take stock and look around. We all need to spend a little time to think and reflect on the past year. Now is the time to focus on moving forward with intention, thinking differently and being better than we were.
Moving forward differently will entail a solo journey for each of us. Again, there is the beauty of the fallible human condition. Thinking differently, the LG Chamber is launching a multi-year DEI campaign entitled LISTEN LEARN change GROW. Change is purposely in smaller case letters, in case you were wondering. If we can cultivate a community that is opening to listening and learning, we will begin to grow and ultimately change. We want to make Los Gatos a welcoming community. We do not have to fear change the way we maybe once did. Our world has changed and we have persevered.
Chambers across the country are taking the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) movement more seriously, as they should. Having a welcoming and inclusive community is imperative for a thriving economy. Yes, there is a desire behind the movement to end racism, but there is also a focus on creating equal opportunity and ending micro–aggressions in the workplace and community that may be limiting opportunities for residents.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have three components:
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Diversity values and celebrates differences, making everyone feel welcome.
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Equity is about creating a culture of fairness, where people are treated fairly, regardless of differences.
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Inclusion prompts answers about creating environments conducive to feedback, supporting diversity and being open.
I urge everyone to keep one thought in mind when thinking about DEI – the programs are not meant to just focus on racial equality. There are many groups of people who may feel disenfranchised or alienated due to gender, sexual preference, age, physical or mental handicap, culture, or religion. Everyone must have opportunities to be a part of the community and have their voices heard.
Going back to Maria Shriver, I think we should all try to think a little differently as we move through this spring and summer. Stretch the imagination and the brain; have a growth mindset. The Chamber hopes to inspire Los Gatos with this DEI campaign. I hope you will join us in our efforts. Stay tuned for the details and join us on Sunday, April 25th in Town Plaza for the official launch party. In the next few weeks, look up and check out the colorful new street pole banners that celebrate open minds.
Two final thoughts to share this month:
To the Los Gatos Business Community – your resilience during this difficult past year has not gone unnoticed. THANK YOU for hanging in there. We are going to make it. You should be so proud of yourselves. We are certainly proud of you.
We welcomed a new member yesterday with a small, socially-distanced ribbon cutting, Nada Djomehri, of Compass Real Estate. There were just a few of us in attendance, including the Chamber staff, Mayor Marico Sayoc and a few friends from US Bank. Before cutting the ribbon, Nada gave a short speech to commemorate this moment for her. First of all, I loved how she appreciated the idea of a red ribbon cutting and what it means. I also so appreciated the comments she made about our Town:
About Vision:
A Preferred-Future-Vision is where we meet on this glorious day, on the ribbon-cutting of my small business, owned by women who strive to bring you, and all, an inclusionary-future... in pursuit of: A better Bay Area experience.
Life hasn’t been easy. We’re in unprecedented times. We stand here knowing that it’s those challenges that shape us bringing the heart and soul in everything we accomplish to set out to do.
Thanks to the leaders of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce for working with us to make that happen. And thanks to the Mayor of Los Gatos for making the time, making this extra special!
I always try to strive with a sense of curiosity and believe it's key to community cultivation. I hope together cultivating that community spirit allows us to enjoy the enrichment and fruits of that labor of love. And, Together... WE thrive!
I’m Sure WE can all agree we saw how critical community is during the novel coronavirus. And, I saw what a wonderful and dynamic place Los Gatos is, a community that cares about the safety and health of its residents, and decided this is where I plant my roots.
Here’s to good health and prosperity.
There you have it. It is springtime Los Gatos. It is the time to grow and to bloom and to create. It is time to appreciate all that we have been through and all that is yet to come. The human condition is what we choose it to be. Let’s Go! We are ready.
Catherine Somers
Executive Director
