2020 Honorable Mention: Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

The 2020 Honorable Mention in Diversity & Inclusion goes to The Junior League of The Palm Beaches' Diversity & Inclusion Task Force.

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches (JLPB) D&I Task Force (Task Force) was formed to address issues of diversity and inclusion within our League. It was created with two foci: 1) to raise awareness about D&I efforts within JLPB and 2) to connect with other organizations to foster new connections and find common ground.

To address the first goal, the Task Force engaged membership in a conversation about diversity and inclusion. This initiative included a survey, a town-hall meeting and a “Harvest of Diversity” potluck event. The Task Force worked diligently to create “safe spaces” to have what can be difficult conversations.

To address the second goal, the Task Force identified a number of organizations to reach out to- firstly to introduce JLPB and secondly, to see if there was common ground where the two organizations could collaborate for a project. Several successful events occurred because of these new partnerships, including: a cultural competency training at Compass, a local LGBTQ community center; an Education and Training session on workplace sexual harassment with the Jewish Women’s Foundation; and a brunch with Best Buddies- an integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Now in its second year, the Task Force hopes these new relationships will continue to grow with joint volunteer opportunities through committees like Done in a Day (DIAD) and Education & Training.

JLPB has taken the lead in prioritizing D&I within Junior League and the greater Palm Beach County community.