We asked our members, why do you think Texas Spirits stands out in regards to its efforts with DEI?
“Spirits already harbors and fosters such a diverse community- you will meet all sorts of individuals from all walks of life, and that’s what makes it beautiful. You are always welcomed and introduced to new experiences, cultures, and communities, and encouraged to learn more and expand your horizons. Spirits embodies all sorts of groups so you will be sure to find your home somewhere in the org. I strongly believe we are as inclusive as ever and are always looking for and embracing unique individuals with all types of stories.”
“Texas Spirits stands out in regards to its efforts with DEI in its ability to listen, learn, and adapt. We have so many advocates for DEI within spirits with our Harmony Haunt, DEI chair, and active members, which allows us to continue these hard conversations of “what can we do better to accommodate everyone?”. Having these discussions allows for each of us to listen to different perspectives, which was something I find difficult to find in other spaces. The listening and learning alone is so valuable and when you put people who are passionate about these initiatives, like every individual spirit, we can continue to grow and create a truly inclusive space for everyone. :)”
“Spirits stands out with its efforts in DEI because we are constantly reevaluating and improving DEI to best serve the people in the org. Most recently this can be seen with the addition of Harmony Haunt. I think many spaces have DEI, but especially now as DEI initiatives are being taken away, it is important to not only have it but apply it. Spirits works to ensure that DEI is functioning in its best capacity so that every member knows they have a comfortable space to speak and have their ideas heard.”
“I find it commendable that DEI is made a top priority in Texas Spirits in the way that everyone wants it to be something bigger, something more representative of its members. It stands out to me because since we are so diverse and filled with so many different kinds of people, smaller spaces exist within the org that makes being your true self —however you choose to define that— so easy. Going into Spirits, I didn’t have very high expectations in DEI because as someone who grew up Muslim, closeted and never meeting someone who I could relate with my Indonesian heritage with, I had a lot of fears on how honest I could truly be in this space. But after a semester, meeting more spirits —I was in a place where I felt I could discover, a place so safe and so welcoming that I could just be my true raw self. A part of myself I’ve never seen before. The DEI in Spirits is so inherit that it’s impossible to miss. Everyday, I find an aspect of DEI that shows how much potential it has in Spirits and it makes me so proud to be a Texas Spirit.”
“I think Texas Spirits is an org that is growing to be more culturally diverse and that is such an amazing thing to see. The org makes efforts to celebrate different cultures and it’s something that really makes you feel welcome and connected to other people!”
