Join Carole as she delves into timely, thought-provoking topics that impact our democracy, civil rights, and our collective future. This special episode, recorded on the eve of Inauguration Day 2025 and the 96th birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., explores the themes of leadership, servanthood, and the power of activism in uncertain times. Reflecting on history, current challenges, and the legacy of civil rights giants, Carole inspires listeners to "Wait and See, Watch and Pray, Then Act."

Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a call to action, this podcast empowers you to make a difference in your community and beyond.

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In this episode:

• Reflections on the upcoming inauguration and its implications for democracy.
• Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, including Reverend Dr. Virgil Wood, Reverend Dr. Ralph Abernathy, and Coretta Scott King.
• The importance of compassionate, servant leadership and the challenges facing America today, from natural disasters to political divisions.
• A call to action for listeners to stay informed, engage in civic conversations, and support organizations that champion democracy and human rights.

Resources Mentioned:

1. ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) – aclu.org
   • Toolkits, training, and resources to uphold civil liberties and fight against injustice.
2. NAACP Legal Defense Fund – naacp.org
   • A leading organization in advancing racial justice and equality.
3. Human Rights Campaign – hrc.org
   • Advocacy and resources for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

Upcoming Highlights:

• Carole's attendance at the nation's longest-running MLK Breakfast in Boston, featuring Angela Davis.
• Reflections on pressing issues like book bans, executive orders, and the importance of active citizenship.

Take Action:

• Share this episode with your friends and colleagues.
• Subscribe, leave a review, and visit carolcopelandthomas.com for more episodes and information about Carole's speaking services.

Final Words:
"Wait and See. Watch and Pray. Then Act. Together, we can defend democracy, protect civil rights, and create a brighter future."

In this powerful end-of-year episode of Conversations with Carole, Carole Copeland Thomas delivers an inspiring message about resilience and action in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Reflecting on the transformative events of 2024, Carole highlights both setbacks and triumphs in the fight for equity and justice, urging listeners to take proactive steps in supporting organizations that remain committed to DEI principles.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Current Landscape of DEI: Carole reviews the pressures on corporations and organizations to back away from DEI initiatives, spurred by well-funded, anti-DEI campaigns and legal challenges linked to recent Supreme Court rulings.
• Highlighting DEI Champions: Carole celebrates two standout organizations—Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) and Costco—for their unwavering commitment to DEI in the face of external pressures.
  
  • NEHRA’s Stand: Despite its larger affiliate SHRM removing "equity" from its framework, NEHRA reaffirmed its dedication to DEI values, setting an example of principled leadership.
• • Costco’s Commitment: Costco defended its DEI programs against shareholder proposals to eliminate them, demonstrating the value of inclusion in driving innovation and operational success.
• Introducing PRA for DEI: Carole unveils the Positive Reward Actions strategy, a practical four-step framework for supporting organizations that uphold DEI values.

PRA for DEI Framework:

1. Identify Champions: Recognize organizations, big or small, that boldly support DEI.
2. Specific Actions: Highlight the concrete steps these organizations take to resist anti-DEI pressures.
3. Reward Their Efforts: Write letters of appreciation, support their products, or spread the word on social media.
4. Separate Them from Crowd Pleasers: Distinguish these committed organizations from those who have merely performed lip service to DEI goals.

Call to Action:
Carole invites listeners to join her in 2025 by identifying and celebrating DEI champions. She encourages listeners to:

• Share examples of champion organizations via email (details in the show notes).
• Actively support companies and groups that resist pressures to compromise on DEI.
• Continue the conversation on social media using #DEIChampions and #PRAforDEI.

Resources Mentioned:

• Links to articles on NEHRA and Costco’s DEI efforts (included in show notes).

Newsweek Article

https://www.newsweek.com/costco-board-shareholder-dei-hiring-2006717

• Information about Project 2025 and its implications for DEI.

www.project2025.org

Happy New Year!
As Carole says, "The best is yet to come." Start 2025 with a renewed commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Stay bold, brave, and buoyant!

Project 2025 is the 920+ page document that will become the playbook for the Trump Administration should he win the presidency in November 2024. It declares war on the cultural dynamics of American society, including the African-American community, other communities of color, the LGBTQ community, and those whose religious ideologies are left of center.

Today's podcast specifically looks at the second half of Chapter 14, which articulates anti-trans procedures, altering Medicaid and redefining the composition of “normal” American families.

This is REAL now that Donald Trump has won the presidential election.

This is the fourth in a series of podcasts on Project 2025. You, the listener, are encouraged to download a free copy of the document and read it for your own understanding.

www.project2025.org

Or

https://bit.ly/4feGyde

Themes Covered In Chapter 14 Include:

1. Controlling Women’s Bodies
2. Parental Rights
3. White Christian Nationalists
4. Privatization
5. Destruction of the LGBTQ+ Community/Trans Community
6. Anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) esp. Black People
7. Redefining the essence of a “normal” American family (biological man, woman, and child).
8. Eliminating Head Start

Discussed In This Episode:

www.Indivisible.org

Since the first Indivisible Guide went viral in 2016, spawning a national movement, the Indivisible Project has released a new “Guide” at the beginning of each Congress with practical advice on how ordinary constituents can best apply local pressure on their lawmakers in the new political landscape.

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There are SHINE offices in every state. Google it to find the SHINE offices in your state.