Accessible Gyms, Inclusive Surveys + Emojis, & Abbi’s Actions For An Inclusive Online Biz (SBLTN Lab Notes 029)
IN THE MARGINS
Don’t talk about it, be about it
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are still Global North buzzwords. Sometimes taking action on them can range from performative checklist actions to true, permanent change. I try to keep an eye out for people doing the latter. Enter Abbiola (she/hers), an Inclusion Trainer that I’ve been lucky enough to get to know during this global panini. She reminds us that inclusion isn’t a one-off goal or final destination but instead a journey and on-going practice. It’s one thing to learn, it’s another thing to do. If you’re an online biz owner or know someone looking for actionable steps toward creating an inclusive environment for programming or communities, check out Abbi’s services below 👍🏾
Taking Inclusive Action Workshop: This 2-day workshop guides online business owners through breaking down all the learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism etc and turns that learning into actionable steps toward creating an inclusive environment for programs/communities. An Implementation Feedback 1:1 Consultation Session is also included for all participants. Next cohort: April 21st & 22nd, 2022
Taking Inclusive Action Audit: This free audit is designed to help online business owners determine where they are in their inclusion journey and what would be the first/next small step needed for them to start taking action.
One on One Consultation: This a 90-minute "pick Abbi’s brain" consultation to get feedback on inclusive practices you are implementing in your programs, to get help creating your inclusive action plan, or just ask any questions that are coming up for you as you build inclusion into your business. The consultation is perfect for anyone who just needs a push in the right direction but not necessarily needing a longer program just yet.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible Gyms
As a graphic designer and Global North resident with internet privilege, I often look at accessibility through a digital lens. I sometimes forget the physical side of it, especially being someone without physical disabilities. Sprinkle on my thin privilege from Western European beauty standards and I never really considered physical accessibility and gyms. This Tweet from @Niyonce143 made me pause and rethink that.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Emojis Get More Skintones and Gender Representation
Y’all know emojis are one of my love languages so I’m always peeping when new ones come out. An iOS update for emojis brings new skin color combinations for the handshake, gender variety representing pregnant people, and for my borahae fam, the finger-heart! (yes, I included BTS fans in a D&I section haha it can’t be serious business all the time!)
LGBTQ+ Friendly Survey Template
If you’ve ever had to create a survey, it’s likely the main thing on your mind was “how do I get the information that I need from people?” A step further from that would be to ask how you can do that in a respectful way. Phrasing questions in a way that makes members of underrepresented communities more comfortable can not only increase your response rate but also tack on some points for being inclusive!
This LGBTQ+ friendly survey template gives recommendations for usage AND explains the context of why specific phrasing or options are suggested. It can be a lot to tackle at once, especially if you’re new to some of the terminology so be sure to download the PDF and keep on hand for when you need to refer back to it in the future.
ART & DESIGN
Universal Animated Language
Speaking of love languages, I’d say that GIFs are in with emojis for me. Sadly, the developer who created GIFs in the late '80s, Steve Wilhite passed away recently. Here’s to all the good memories with these memes in motion.
Signing off from the Starship SBLTN,
Laneen (Pronouns: she/they)
🎧 Listening: "Broken Record" by GSoul
👀 Watching: Studio Ghibli collection
💬 Quote: "Just because it's trending, does not mean the work is finished" - Abbiola Ballah