Many of us in the U.S. were forced to celebrate
Thanksgiving from afar this year, isolated from friends and
family. Unfortunately, that same sense of isolation is felt by millions
every day.
For years we have been supporting Best Buddies
International, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social,
physical, and economic isolation experienced by 200 million people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We’ve recently partnered on
a new initiative, the Best
Buddies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund, to address injustices to
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and people with IDD, which are some of the
country’s most marginalized groups. The Fund will create Best Buddies mentoring
friendship chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and urban
high schools in underserved communities across the nation.
People with disabilities are often forgotten in
D&I efforts. Our own research – summarized in the Inclusive
Talent Pool Report – found that high-performance organizations
recognize that disability inclusion must be part of a holistic D&I agenda.
Without it, claims of having an inclusive culture ring hollow.
Today, on Giving Tuesday, we’re determined to
change that. To recognize the promise that 2021 brings, and to get it off to a
good start, we’ve set a goal of raising $2 million and aim to bring in a
significant portion of that amount between now and New Year’s Day. We invite
you and your organization to join us in reaching this goal.
To find out how, go
here to contribute and learn more.
This year, we plan to leverage the isolation
many of us felt throughout 2020 and turn it into appreciation and connection
for those who have felt this their entire lives. We hope you can join us and
support this worthwhile cause.