Celebrating Pride: A Month of Inclusion and Joy
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 3 Jul 2024 in Raising Awareness
June has been a vibrant and transformative month at Your Co-op as we celebrated Pride with a series of activities that highlighted our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Today, Dan Hope, Admin Manager for Member Investments shares with us what happened last month!
Following the launch of our Inclusion Allies Network, this month marked the beginning of many new initiatives aimed at fostering a welcoming environment for all colleagues, especially our LGBTQ+ members.
A Pride-Themed Transformation
Our journey began with the implementation of a unique pride-themed logo. This colourful and inclusive design proudly displayed our support for the LGBTQ+ community and set the tone for a month filled with celebration and awareness. This was proudly featured in all food stores, travel and childcare settings, as well as our head offices in Warwick and Walsall.
Rainbow Day: A Burst of Colour and Unity
One event that took place was our Rainbow Day on the 26th of June at our head office. Colleagues came together, dressed in their brightest and most colourful outfits, to show their solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues. The day was not only a visual one but also a powerful statement of our collective commitment to inclusivity.
This included a "Stride with Pride" walk around the block, where colleagues proudly marched together, showcasing their support and unity. Additionally, we hosted a bake sale and games, which raised £355 for our chosen charity, the LGBT Foundation. The sense of community and camaraderie was palpable, and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together for such a meaningful cause.
Additional rainbow days were held across the month in many of our stores and sites.
Insights and Inspiration from Dan Browne, Founder of Warwickshire Pride
A highlight of the Rainbow Day was an insightful talk by our guest speaker, Dan Browne, the founder of Warwickshire Pride. Dan shared his inspiring journey and provided valuable insights on how we can make a lasting impact to foster a brighter tomorrow. He also discussed various ways colleagues can volunteer throughout the county to support the LGBTQ+ community. Dan's words were a reminder of the importance of our efforts and the positive change we can bring about by working together as well as being consistent. You can watch the talk below...
The Importance of Our Work
The activities and events this month underscore the importance of our work in promoting diversity and inclusion. Celebrating Pride is not just about one month of the year; it’s about creating an ongoing culture of acceptance and support, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Inclusion
This is just the beginning. The Inclusion Allies Network is committed to continuing this work and expanding our efforts to support other protected characteristics. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is a stronger and more innovative one, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every colleague feels valued and respected.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to join the Inclusion Allies Network, we welcome you with open arms. Please reach out to us via email at diversityandinclusion@midcounties.coop. Doing good together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated and supported the Pride activities this month. Let’s continue to stride with pride and make a lasting impact by doing good together!