October 2023

PAFA Celebrates Global Diversity Month and Disability Awareness Month

As we step into the vibrant month of October, we have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate two significant observances that resonate deeply with our values and commitment to inclusivity – Global Diversity Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month.

At PAFA, we firmly believe that our diversity is our strength, and it's the unique blend of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that make our workplace truly exceptional. Global Diversity Month encourages us to recognize and honor the rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, and traditions that each of you brings to our organization. It's a month to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for the multitude of backgrounds that enrich our world.

Simultaneously, October is dedicated to Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when we reaffirm our dedication to creating a workplace where every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can thrive. This month allows us to focus on breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and emphasizing the



In the spirit of these important observances, let's take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to a workplace that values every voice, recognizes every potential, and appreciates every individual for who they are. Together, we can continue to create a culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity for all.

Here are some ways to promote inclusivity and raise awareness this month:

1. Cultural Awareness Events: Organize events that celebrate the cultures and traditions of employees with disabilities from around the world. These events can include food tastings, cultural presentations, or art exhibitions.
2. Accessible Training Materials: Ensure that all training materials, including videos, presentations, and documents, are accessible to employees with disabilities. This can help create an inclusive learning environment.
3. Diverse Panel Discussions: Host panel discussions with employees who have disabilities, showcasing their experiences and perspectives from different cultural backgrounds. Encourage open dialogue and questions from the audience.
4. Collaborative Art Projects: Encourage employees to participate in collaborative art projects that reflect global diversity and disability awareness. This can be a creative way to foster unity and expression.
5. Accessible Technology Demos: Offer demonstrations of assistive technologies and tools that can make the workplace more inclusive for employees with disabilities. Invite vendors to showcase their products and answer questions.
6. Community Partnerships: Partner with local disability organizations and cultural associations to create joint events or initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the broader community.
7. Multilingual Resources: Create resources, such as brochures and posters, that highlight the importance of disability employment awareness in multiple languages. Distribute these resources to employees and diverse communities.

BOOST DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Challenge yourself this month to boost your diversity awareness calendar usage.

• Learn about October 2023 Events 
• Schedule Respectfully - With our PAFA Diversity Awareness Calendar, never forget important dates or events. Respect religious observances, holidays, and events.
• New Feature! Email signature images! Now you can build D&I with every email you send - find out how to add Diversity Calendar banners to your Outlook email signature.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of all breast cancer survivors. Their courage and determination inspire us all.

Breast cancer knows no boundaries, affecting individuals and families across our community. This October, let's unite in our commitment to support survivors and raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference.

We encourage everyone to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives this month -- from fundraisers to educational sessions -- and contribute to this vital cause. Whether it's donating to local support organizations or lending a helping hand to survivors in our community, every act of support matters.

Let us stand together, as a caring and compassionate community, to uplift those who have fought and continue to fight against breast cancer. Together, we can turn awareness into action and make a positive impact in the lives of survivors and their loved ones.

Mark Your Calendars

Monday October 9th is Indigenous Peoples Day

We stand firmly in solidarity with Indigenous communities, supporting their rights, triumphs, and repatriation.

In commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Day 2023, PAFA proudly celebrated the profound shift our organization made by adopting this meaningful day in place of Columbus Day. This decision emphasizes the need to rectify the historical inaccuracies and injustices associated with the celebration of Columbus Day, while underscoring our commitment to honoring the enduring contributions of Indigenous communities and artists.

In conjunction with our recent adoption of Indigenous Peoples Day as a formal PAFA holiday, we are especially proud of the recent work we completed developing our institutional Living Land Acknowledgement statement. By replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, we align our values with our actions, reinforcing our promise to honor and respect indigenous cultures. This transition reflects not only our commitment to acknowledging the past but also our dedication to actively supporting Indigenous communities in the present and future.

This important day takes on even greater significance as we affirm our commitment to recognizing the rightful stewards of the land on which we work and live. Our Living Land Acknowledgment statement serves as a reminder that the very ground we stand on is steeped in Indigenous history and culture. It is a humble recognition of the enduring connection between Indigenous communities and the territories we occupy today.

By replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, we align our values with our actions, reinforcing our promise to honor and respect indigenous cultures. This transition reflects not only our commitment to acknowledging the past but also our dedication to actively supporting indigenous communities in the present and future.

Let us continue to learn, engage, and amplify indigenous voices, ensuring that their heritage remains a vibrant part of our shared PAFA history.

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

Join IPD, Philly and members of the Lenape community for their 7th Annual Indigenous People's Day Event!

Monday October 9, 2023

@ Shackamaxen (Penns Treaty Park)

1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

11:00am - 5:00pm