Now is not the time to retreat - it’s time to double down

Well it has never been boring, but it certainly has been an interesting time to be a DEI consultant lately.

To paraphrase a question we got during one of our client sessions earlier this week:

How do we pace ourselves when things are on fire and we’re only two weeks in?

It may seem counterintuitive when things are so urgent and unfolding so quickly… and yes, there are things you have already had to and likely will continue to need to respond to quickly.

But now is not the time to panic, because, even though there is so much to legitimately panic about, we can’t function effectively in a state of panic, at least, not for long.

In fact, the deliberate goal of some of the strategies we are seeing is to overwhelm and demoralize us into submission.

We cannot afford that.

At a time when the dominant narrative is grossly mischaracterizing DEI to justify its dismantling in favor of what amounts to re-segregation, we believe now is the time to lean into your values and beliefs.

While there’s so much you can’t control, you can ensure that equity, inclusion, and belonging remain priorities in your workplace - so your staff and the communities you serve feel just a little more protected and reassured.

You can make a difference to the people around you who are feeling scared and demoralized.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Talking points you can use right away:

✅ DEI benefits everyone. It drives collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

✅ DEI isn’t about “discouraging merit and leadership” - in fact it’s the opposite. It’s about fostering a truly merit-based approach where needs-based, trauma-informed, co-creative and inclusive leadership is the norm.

✅ DEI doesn’t lower standards—it raises them. Done right, it creates environments where innovation and impact reach unprecedented levels.

✅ DEI is not and has not ever been about quotas or preferences for ANY particular group. Discriminating or creating preferences on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin has been illegal since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the same Act the current administration says they have a solemn duty to enforce. DEI is not illegal. No laws have changed that make it so.

✅ DEI is about so much more than hiring. It’s about creating environments where everyone can do their best work while feeling truly valued and supported.

Some other things to consider if you have the capacity:

One of our critical jobs right now is to regulate ourselves so we can make discerning, strategic, creative decisions to protect ourselves and our communities. This starts with creating and implementing a trauma-informed personal safety plan.
From there, we can support our teams and staff by practicing trauma-informed communication - this is very important right now as change of any kind can be destabilizing and we’re in a collective stress and trauma response at the moment.
A third thing is: find “obstinate” healing and joy. We still get to experience joy, even and especially in crisis.
One more thing for today - we need trauma-informed, inclusive leaders more than ever, and that requires sustainable workflows.

Our team is here and as committed as ever. Trans and immigrant communities are being particularly targeted right now but we are all at risk. People will die. Some already have.

If you’re not already signed up, please join us in Self-Coaching for DEI Advocates and Leaders for weekly insights on how to stay grounded, sharpen your strategy, and sustain your energy for the long game.

You’ll get:

🌟 Tools to navigate frustration and resistance

🌟 Strategies to stay effective in tough environments

🌟 A renewed sense of clarity and purpose

If you have colleagues or friends who would benefit from this series, please share the sign-up page with them.

And if you or they need deeper support, check out our new services. We now offer two exploratory tracks designed to provide immediate access to our incredible team who can provide relief, guidance, and a path forward for those committed to long-term transformational change.

DEI work has always required resilience. In this moment, it requires even more intentionality. Now is not the time to retreat - it’s time to double down.

Your voice, leadership, and well-being matter.

Thanks,

Alethea

Banner photo by Alec Cooks on Unsplash