Dear colleagues and friends,
This week we celebrate the SOM’s second annual Diversity and Inclusion Week. This year’s theme, Practices Not Promises: Moving Toward Action, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion principles every day in our interactions with each other and the community we serve.
May brings a month of many celebrations, including Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. I hope you will take some time to attend the hybrid keynote address today from noon-1 p.m. titled, “If not now, then when?”: The continuing struggle for justice in Asian America presented by Dr. Lisa Sun-Hee Park, professor of Asian American studies at UC, Santa Barbara.
Following the keynote, the week continues with lectures from innovative speakers, cultural activities, an art gallery and a SOM Block Party to cap off the week. View the full program and register for sessions that fit your schedule if you have not done so already.
Additionally, this week will include opportunities to increase our understanding of various religions practiced by members of our SOM community. Today, we share information about Judaism, with more religions covered throughout the week.
Finally, compassion and mindfulness help us build greater understanding of ourselves and each other. Take a moment this week to do a meditation and/or the daily compassion training on connecting to a moment of nurturance. This information will be available in perpetuity on our website to serve as a resource to our community.
I look forward to an engaging week,