In 2020, after a black man, George Floyd, was murdered by a white police officer in the United States, a movement swept across the globe demanding equity for people of colour. During this time, many organizations took a hard look at themselves. Organizations took workshops, assessed the level of equity in their organizations and initiated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) programs. Now, five years later, some of those same organizations are walking back their EDI programs. The larger social climate has changed, including in response to the political shifts in the United States. Is what was once “in”, now “out”? Did organizations pursue EDI only because they thought that was what the customer wanted? For those committed to EDI, the current moment can feel despairing.

At its root, EDI is simply about what it means to be a good person and what it means to be a welcoming society. Some years ago, I was speaking with a man of integrity and goodwill who was upset about Critical Race Theory. I asked him what made him upset. The man stumbled. When I asked what Critical Race Theory meant to him, the man offered that the theory asks people to take seriously the history of racism and its impact on society – an intention he agreed with. In the end, the man wasn’t sure what was making him upset. The man is not alone. Conversations about race have been politicized to the degree that it is hard to remember that the EDI, at its best, is about making space at the table for all.

At Credence, we have taught EDI workshops since well before 2020. Since the beginning, we have maintained that our engagement with these themes must come from a place of unconditional positive regard for all people in the room, regardless of race, gender or any other identity characteristic. In other words, we have been committed to leaning on care rather than shame as a vehicle to encourage understanding between people. We have invited people of all backgrounds to explore their own experiences of exclusion in order to open up inner space to hear others’ experiences of exclusion. We have considered strategies for how to address challenging moments while maintaining deep respect for each person. Our workshops have been well received. We remain committed to nurturing understanding between people.

Sadly, it can feel like our world is galloping in the other direction – promulgating division and misunderstanding between people rather than engaging in conversations that really help us to see one another. It is not lost on me that the pushback against EDI is occurring as rates of loneliness are skyrocketing across North America. Loneliness is about longing to be seen. EDI is about longing to be seen.

And so, at Credence, we wonder how you are doing. How are you experiencing the current moment? The current moment presents us each with a choice – will we lean deep on our courage to continue to see the humanity of each person around us or will we back away in fear? At Credence, we are committed to seeing each person, each organization, each community with a spirit of unconditional positive regard. In our experience, when we rest on this principle as our foundation, good things become possible.

• Want to learn more about equity, diversity, and inclusion? Register for Credence’s workshop “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Nurturing a Community of Belonging” from March 4 – 7, 2025. Limited number of spots still available. 
• Need expert guidance in navigating complex EDI challenges? Credence consultants offer tailored coaching and support for leaders and teams committed to nurturing communities of belonging. Learn more here.
• Seeking a captivating keynote speaker on EDI? Credence provides keynote addresses that engage participants and integrate skill development through story-based learning. Contact Credence to learn more.