Leading with DEAI

What does "Leading with DEAI" mean?

Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI). Shifting your perspective and helping you stay informed as we act in service of allyship for every Minnesotan and create a culture of inclusion at the state.

Articles

Accessibility
Digital barriers can be exclusionary despite how technology works to connect us. The state’s accessibility initiatives focus on technology, ensuring that the information we share and receive is clear to everyone.

Allyship
Allyship is intentional, compassionate action. An ally is someone who dismantles oppressive systems regardless of whether that system has affected or benefited them. An ally recognizes their advantages and uses their influence to uplift the voices of others.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Culture is created through strong values that inspire enthusiastic and authentic participation. Hosting social events or guest speakers do not automatically create an inclusive culture. You must thoughtfully plan opportunities for genuine engagement – otherwise it’s just forced fun, and no one likes that.

Intercultural Competency
Intercultural competence is an awareness of others, and an embrace of different perspectives and behaviors. Cultural humility is our attitude as we enact our intercultural competence.

Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that can function by itself as a noun or noun phrase and refers to the subject of a sentence or conversation (such as I or you). Pronouns are also used to refer to someone or something mentioned elsewhere (such as she, he, it, or this). All people have a pronoun, and while grammar is very important, using the correct personal pronouns is a sign of dignity and respect for identity.