Visit Baltimore has launched a new resource expanding on race and unconscious bias as part of its “Warm Welcome” program to educate the hospitality industry and other organizations on fostering an inclusive environment for visitors.
The new video resource, “Beyond Conversations About Race and Equity,” expands on the first Visit Baltimore “Warm Welcome” module, which was created to encourage the hospitality community to engage in productive discussion about race and bias. The new training covers topics, including intersectionality, bloom’s taxonomy and the ally continuum, and walks participants through what they can do as the next step in expanding on the areas of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
The training is presented by Visit Baltimore and DEI expert Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice on the campus of Loyola University Maryland and host of “Today with Dr. Kaye” on WEAA 88.9 FM.
“There is a lot that we can do as educators to expand on the conversations we have been having about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to make them broader and more inclusive.” said Whitehead. “As the conversation has shifted beyond DEI, it is also moving beyond individual discussions about race, gender or class—the conversation is more intersectional, it is more inclusive, and it now includes the theme of Justice. In addition to speaking about these topics openly, organizations and individuals alike need to be committed to dismantling the barriers to critical resources so that our communities can live full and dignified lives.”
The “Warm Welcome” program aims to establish Baltimore as a top destination for all people, regardless of race, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, disability and more. The program encourages local hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses to sign an online pledge committing to train their staff and stakeholders to use supportive, affirming language; inspire proactive allyship; encourage productive dialogue about race, accessibility and bias; and foster active listening and learning. Upon signing the pledge, participants receive a link to the exclusive training toolkit created specifically for the tourism and hospitality community in Baltimore.
“The hospitality industry is an industry that speaks to all populations and travelers of diverse backgrounds,” said Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “With service, flexibility and hard work being critical pillars to the hospitality community, it is important that we provide our workforce with the necessary tools to continue building on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts and make sure that all individuals feel welcome in our spaces.”
Once an organization completes the training with their entire staff, Visit Baltimore will provide a “Warm Welcome” kit that includes a window cling and other display items to show visitors they are seen and respected in that place of business. Besides the latest module, businesses can find additional resources and training surrounding the topics of race and unconscious bias, along with accessibility and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the toolkit. Visit Baltimore is continuously working with local DEI experts to enhance its “Warm Welcome” resources for participants and has plans to release an additional module later this year.
For more information, visit www.baltimore.org/warmwelcome.
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