December 2024

Introduction

Happy December!
As the month unfolds, we embrace the spirit of giving and reflection during this time of year.
In honor of International Human Rights Month, we are excited to share our upcoming one-day online
courses that will empower you with knowledge and tools to advocate for change in your community.

We look forward to seeing you,
- Mindbridge

December Recap

In the month of December, the Mindbridge team has been hard at work as the holiday season approaches! Continuing from the momentum of our annual retreat last month, December has been centered around preparing for the year ahead.

In the Mindbridge Institute, December launched the final online courses for 2024, including the last sessions of our one-day webinar series. Our dedicated team of Mindbridge Educators are excited for new courses and materials coming in 2025! In the meantime, we encourage you to check out MindMatters, a six week interactive course to cross the threshold between neuroscience, psychology, and human rights. Stay tuned for more info to come!

In addition to providing succinct, yet data-intensive, research reports for our external collaborators and their colleagues, the Research and Evaluation (RED) team has been actively plugging away at finalizing preliminary data gathered by our Countering Extremism Directive (CED) as well as developing publication materials for our Healing Racial Trauma Initiative (HRTI). Our team’s interns have led the way on supporting these efforts while working through school in the lead-up to the holidays. We thank them for their efforts, and the team for bolstering our drive following the Mindbridge Retreat!

Finally, our Healing Racial Trauma Initiative (HRTI) team members are working on growing their advisory committee board, with an official launch in the coming months. HRTI is also continuing to develop thoughtful programming materials for upcoming healing circles in 2025!

2024 Year in Review

2024 was a busy year for the Mindbridge team!
For example, the Mindbridge Institute completed over 40 training sessions, which encompassed over 80 hours of reaching hearts and minds. From 5 courses and numerous client organizations, over 600 individuals received training from our Mindbridge Educators this year.
Internally, Mindbridge is proud to share that we offered a total of 4 university internships and/or fellowships. These accomplished students hailed from UMass Lowell and the University of Southern Maine.
We also supported four community events, ranging from conference presentations in North Carolina to work from our Healing Racial Trauma Initiative (HRTI) right here in Maine!

Finally, Mindbridge collaborated on 9 external partnerships this year across the Research team and the Mindbridge Institute. We are so thankful for these collaborations, and look forward to more to come in 2025!

Did You Know?

Meaningful DEI Work Must Be Intentional & Measurable

Article: Forbes, Published October 13, 2024
When organizations invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, they want to know that their time and resources are making a real difference. A recent article in Forbes Magazine, *Three Ideas to Measure the return on investment (ROI) of DEI Training*, highlights actionable strategies for tracking DEI success—like using pre-and post-surveys, tying efforts to measurable outcomes, and evaluating long-term impacts such as retention and innovation.
***These insights remind us that meaningful DEI work must be both intentional and measurable to create lasting change.***

Mindbridge’s Approach

At the Mindbridge Institute, we take this approach to heart. Through our Inclusion & Belonging Project (IBP), we partner with organizations to design DEI initiatives that prioritize both belonging and accountability. Collaboratively working alongside our Research and Evaluation Department (RED), we use scientifically backed surveys and assessments to help clients measure changes in mindset, behavior, and organizational outcomes.

Where do we go from here?

These tools not only give leaders a clear picture of the impact of their investment but also provide actionable insights for continuous improvement. By making progress visible, Mindbridge empowers clients to create more inclusive and connected workplaces while demonstrating the value of their DEI efforts. As Kratz’s article shows, when we measure belonging, we amplify its power to transform individuals, teams, and entire organizations.

Kratz, J. (2024). Three ideas to measure the ROI of DEI training. Forbes. www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/10/13/three-ideas-to-measure-the-roi-of-dei-training/

*Every month, a member of the Mindbridge team will highlight a piece of media (book, podcast, movie, etc) that connects to our central mission and values.*
Mindbridge’s book recommendation this month is *“Rest is Resistance* by Tricia Hersey. With the hectic nature of the holidays and post-election newscycle, Hersey’s book reminds us that the act of resting is a racial and social form of resistance against white supremacy and capitalism.

“You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labor. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself & community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to
have space, to dream, and to connect”

Happenings & Events

Upcoming Days of Observance:

December: Universal Human Rights Month
Observed throughout December, Universal Human Rights Month focuses on raising awareness of human rights issues and the ongoing fight to secure equality, dignity, and justice for all people around the world. It encourages global advocacy and action to protect the rights of individuals regardless of their race, gender, or background.

12/2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
This day marks the effort to eradicate modern forms of slavery, including human trafficking and forced labor. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of ongoing slavery issues and advocate for the protection of human dignity worldwide.

12/3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes understanding and support for the rights of individuals with disabilities. It advocates for greater accessibility, inclusion, and opportunities for all people.

12/9 International Genocide Prevention Day
Observed on December 9th, this day commemorates the adoption of the Genocide Convention and emphasizes the importance of preventing genocides worldwide. It encourages efforts to raise awareness, promote accountability, and protect vulnerable populations from mass atrocities.

12/10 Human Rights Day
Celebrated on December 10th, Human Rights Day honors the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It is a day to reflect on the ongoing importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of all people, ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for everyone globally.

12/18 International Migrants Day
Observed on December 18th, International Migrants Day highlights the challenges faced by migrants around the world. It promotes the protection of migrants' rights, their contributions to societies, and the need for fair and humane migration policies.

12/20 International Human Solidarity Day
Held on December 20th, International Human Solidarity Day encourages unity among all people to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and conflict. It promotes the spirit of collaboration, mutual support, and human dignity across nations and communities.

Support Mindbridge's Efforts With Your Donation