Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Chamber's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goal Statement
To share information and learn best practices about diversity, inclusion and minority business development to improve our workforce.
- Leverage members’ combined experience and knowledge to advance diversity and inclusion programs and practices throughout professions.
- Provide business members with access to information, individuals and ideas that will help them build more economically and socially inclusive organizations.
- Become a forum to discuss new diversity and inclusion ideas and initiatives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Involvement
DEI Task Force
Meets bi-monthly 3rd Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. Task Force members meet to guide the Chamber and it's members in education and best practices in DEI to help improve our workforce.
The Chamber's DEI Initiatives
While developing and growing our DEI Initiatives the Chamber is taking opportunities to integrate learning opportunities with staff and programs.
- Reviewing all of our promotion and media materials to be as inclusive as we can.
- Our Leadership Eau Claire programs take leaders through a History and Culture Day.
- We've created the Explore Eau Claire Concierge Program which is built to help businesses acclimate candidates and new hires to the area. Taking care to build a personalized journey through our community to any new person or family considering relocation.
- Growing our Youth Apprenticeship program by sharing employment opportunities with under represented groups in our region.
- Statewide Affinity Based Chambers of Commerce. We've created close relationships with the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. To see more go here.
- The United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley: Digital Equity and Inclusion Council and the 21 Week Challenge.
- Maintaining close relationships with our higher education systems University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College.
- Work and partnership with the Toward One Wisconsin Inclusivity Conference.
The Chamber partners with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College to hire an intern for our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives. This yearly intern helps to research, communicate and grow our DEI efforts to help businesses succeed.
Please send referrals to winegar@eauclairechamber.org
Written and approved by the Eau Claire Chamber Board in 2020. The Principles of Community Around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a set of affirmations and statements that the Chamber shares with investors to be an advocate and be as inclusive as possible.
“We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression with civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and our organizations. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, diverse ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and or increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.
We pledge our collective commitment to incorporate these principles into our goal of creating a community dedicated to inclusive excellence, where all citizens can live and thrive.”
- Approved and adopted by the Eau Claire Area Chamber Board, 2020
Speaker Request Form
The Chamber's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force is a resource of professionals who will be assisting area businesses and organizations who are seeking speakers on topics related to DEI.
Please fill out the form below to help us learn a little more about what you are looking for.
The Perspective - Educational Blog
The Perspective
This monthly publication provides information, training and resources to area employers who wish to learn and implement initiatives in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.
Do you take time to set intentions and plan for the new year?
Identifying the intentions that will be meaningful and doable can make a huge difference in your work and personal life.
The New York Times says your goals “should be smart – and SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.
Source
Workplace resolutions create an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and set intentions for the year ahead. People who take time to reflect on and celebrate their successes are generally more optimistic, take better care of themselves and tend to be less stressed. Celebrations increase people’s sense of well-being, regardless of socioeconomic factors, education age or gender. Source
Dave Minor, President/CEO of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce has frequently said all roads lead to workforce.
Resolutions are no different, check out this content creators’ video about how resolutions were started.
@pbs Happy 2023 ✨ What are your New Year’s resolutions? #newyeaerresolution #happynewyear #2023 #newyears #pbs
♬ Deck the Halls – Lofi – Gentle State
Top New Year’s Resolutions for the Workplace
Take this time to consider where you want to be in your job this time next year. Where do you see your career going over the next three to five years? And what steps do you need to take to get there?
Source
- Get Clear on Your Career Priorities
- Learn a New Skill
- Embrace Flexibility as a Manager
- Help Employees Connect with Leadership
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Check out more from the Chamber’s Blog:
Learn The Signs
In the workplace, mental health problems manifest in a multitude of ways. Here are some employee behaviors that may be signs of a mental health problem:
https://www.mranet.org/resource/what-do-when-employee-needs-mental-health-help
- Working slowly
- Missing deadlines
- Calling in sick frequently
- Increasing absenteeism
- Expressing irritability and anger
- Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Appearing numb or emotionless
- Withdrawing from work activity
- Overworking
- Forgetting directives, procedures, and requests
- Having difficulty with work transitions or changes in routines
These symptoms could also result when an employee has a family member suffering from a mental health problem or other serious health issues. Such situations can sometimes disrupt the employee’s working hours, lead to absences, affect concentration, and decrease morale as much as it would if the employee had the mental health problem.
Self Care
Self-care means taking time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Below are some tips to help you get started with seld-care:
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Each person’s “healthiest self” is different. We have different bodies, minds, living situations, and people influencing our lives. Each area can impact your overall health. This means we each have a unique set of health needs. Use our wellness toolkits to find ways to improve your well-being in any area you’d like.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:
https://namiwisconsin.org/find-my-nami/eau-claire-county/
- Difficulty sleeping
- Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
- Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
- Inability to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
Don’t wait until your symptoms are overwhelming. Talk about your concerns with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
You are NOT ALONE
Learn more about a community of people who’ve managed stress throughout a global pandemic
“Grief During the Holidays” on the NAMI podcast
National Hotlines
Are you or someone you know dealing with intense depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or another mental health crisis? You don’t have to face it alone!
Call or text one of these free hotlines to get the help you need.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text “HOME” to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990, text “TalkWithUs” to 66746, or visit DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov
What is Human Rights Month?
Every year in the month of December, the world celebrates Human Rights Day -December 10th- to remember the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The UDHR is a document that proclaims the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. Regardless of gender, race, religion, language, political ideas, social background, nationality, wealth, place of birth, or any other status.
2022 Theme: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All – #StandUp4HumanRights
The UDHR preamble states that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
On December 10, 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). This outlines the rights and freedoms that everyone is entitled too.
On December 4, 1950 the UN expanded the holiday. All states and many organizations were invited to celebrate Human Rights Day.
December 9, 2021 President George W. Bush declared the first Human Rights Week. Since that declaration, it has become a worldwide month-long holiday.
What can you do for Human Rights Month?
- Reread the Bill of Rights!
- https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/bill-of-rights
- Take the time to look over how each freedom applies to your life. Taking this time also honors the founding creators of the document.
- Volunteer in the community!
- With winter here, take time to help the community with warm food and love.
- Another opportunity to get involved in the local community is volunteering at Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc., to make a difference in the lives of youths and elders.
- Check out local resources!
- Find out who in the community is dedicated to making a change. To change the world, thinking small and starting locally is the stepping stone to success.
Resources to create this article:
The Altoona Public Library will be hosting Extension and the Family Resource Center for Bilingual Story Time in English & Hmoob on Friday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. Join for some stories, songs, and simple crafts! See the below flyer for more information.
Making Moments Matter: Family Traditions
The Chippewa Valley Museum will be hosting Extension on Saturday, November 12 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss HMoob culture, sample sticky rice, and fold money boats!
What is it?
Domestic violence, also called “interpersonal violence” or “intimate partner violence” is a pattern of behavior within a relationship used to maintain or gain power over the other intimate partner within the relationship. “Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.” Domestic abuse can occur to anyone regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. It can also affect people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and any education level. One-in-every-four women and one-in-every-ten men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What does it look like in the workforce?
Domestic violence can take many forms and influence a workplace/employee. Many different dynamics of relationships can be involved in domestic violence. While there is no guide, recognizing a pattern that MAY be a sign of domestic violence as a colleague, manager, or supervisor, can be one of the most crucial things you can do.
Signs to Recognize:
- Personal visits that become disruptive
- Addictions to alcohol or any other substance
- Decreased performance at the workplace
- Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or depression
- Physically hurt
- Lateness, leaving work early, arriving early, and absenteeism
- Numerous unusual or excessive phone calls
- Marriage or family issues
- Abrupt psychological changes, such as alienation from other coworkers and a lack of involvement in office activities or events
- Strict following of both the start and end times
- Unable to leave the workplace for business-related events
How can I support a party involved?
It is crucial to remember that not every employee will be comfortable or capable of helping victims similarly. When you consider reaching out to a victim of domestic violence, it’s common to feel anxious or unsuitable.
The affected may not necessarily be a victim of domestic violence just because they exhibit the behaviors or indicators indicated above. It is time to raise some concerns, in private, away from other employees, if you are a manager or supervisor and you detect these indicators from your employee or if you have other reasons to suspect that they may be a victim of domestic abuse. For instance:
“Is anything at home preventing you from getting to work or arriving on time? ”
“I see that you are performing differently now. Are you experiencing any household issues that are influencing how you perform? ”
“I’ve seen that you receive many distressing phone calls. Are there any steps we can take to help with that?”
If you’re a worried coworker, you might say:
“I’m concerned about you. Please let me know if I can support you in any way.”
“You are not alone. This happens to lots of people.”
“When you hung up the phone this morning, I could hear you crying. Do you feel comfortable talking about it? I want to ensure you get the help and support you need.”
*Sourced from local interviews with Bolton Refuge and the Eau Claire City Health Department
The best thing to do as someone who may be concerned is to allow the person involved to talk freely. LISTENING is the greatest tool you can utilize as someone uninvolved. Reaching out helps show the colleague that you support them and they are not alone. Showing concern and raising questions is an excellent way to approach the situation. Not every victim will feel comfortable speaking about this and may be unable to grasp the problem, and that’s okay.
Where do I get help for myself or others?
We have several local sources that address domestic violence and assisted in this article’s information. Some are:
Bolton Refuge House
“Bolton Refuge House offers a variety of services to assist people who have been affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking on their journey to physical and emotional safety.”
Phone: 715-834-9578
PO Box 482, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0482
Website: https://www.boltonrefuge.org
Email: director@boltonrefuge.org
Family Support Center
“Family Support Center provides support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking. We also provide violence prevention education in local school districts and within our community.”
Crisis line: 1-800-400-7020
Phone: 715-723-1138
P.O. Box 143, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Email: familysupport@fsccf.org
Website: https://www.familysupportcentercf.com/
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association
“We are here to empower people, advance cultures, and enhance the quality of life for Chippewa Valley low-income families.”
Crisis line/after-hours interpretation: 715-864-6331
Phone: 715-832-8420
1320 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Email: michelle.harris@ecahmaa.org
Website: https://www.ecahmaa.org/
Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault (CASA) UW-Eau Claire
“CASA (Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault) was established in 2003. CASA is a sexual assault support service that maintains a victim centered approach. We provide a safe place for people to come and talk about any issues that they may have surrounding their sexual assault, or those of someone close to them. Even if you are not sure about a sexual experience and are now feeling uncomfortable with what happened, CASA would be glad to talk with you.”
Crisis line: 715-836-4357
Hibbard Humanities Hall 311C, 124 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, 54701
Email: casa@uwec.edu
Website: https://www.uwec.edu/center-awareness-sexual-assault/
Fierce Freedom
“We at Fierce Freedom work to end the cycle of human trafficking and exploitation through educational programming that empowers communities and speaks to the worth and dignity of each individual.”
Phone: 715-514-2890
2519 N. Hillcrest Pkwy Suite 200, Altoona WI 54720
Website: http://fiercefreedom.org/
“What Is Domestic Violence?: American SPCC – Statistics & Effects of Domestic Violence in America.” American SPCC, 5 Aug. 2022, americanspcc.org/domestic-violence/.
Maurer, Roy. “When Domestic Violence Comes to Work.” SHRM, SHRM, 7 July 2021, www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/risk-management/Pages/Domestic-Violence-Workplace-NFL-Ray-Rice.aspx.
Gillette, Hope. “What Causes Domestic Violence?” Psych Central, Psych Central, 30 Sept. 2021, psychcentral.com/lib/what-causes-domestic-violence.
If you are unable to find a resource on this list, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce.
Ready to get involved?
Contact the Chamber today to learn more about the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and our Initiatives.