The Vivarium Operational Excellence biggest strength is the diversity of our members:
OUR OpEx PHILOSOPHY is based on inclusion of our human differences such as age, belief, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, ability, physical attributes, religion, sexual orientation, social class, values, and a host of others that make us each unique.
WE STRIVE to include ALL people in promoting innovative methods and knowledge for managing animal healthcare programs.
WE BELIEVE that all people are to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity regardless of our differences.
We are all in this together.
OUR OpEx PHILOSOPHY is based on inclusion of our human differences such as age, belief, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, ability, physical attributes, religion, sexual orientation, social class, values, and a host of others that make us each unique.
WE STRIVE to include ALL people in promoting innovative methods and knowledge for managing animal healthcare programs.
WE BELIEVE that all people are to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity regardless of our differences.
We are all in this together.
VOE-Network presence at ACLAM Forum in San Antonio May 1 – 4
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VOE-Network had a strong showing at ACLAM Forum in San Antonio! Key events were donations to the ACLAM Foundation silent auction, and co-sponsoring the 2nd annual DE&I Happy Hour, this time in person!
Congratulations to our winners of the white belt and yellow belt courses, and to our newest institutional member the University of Kentucky! The ACLAM Equity and Inclusion Task Force and VOE-Network co-sponsored the 2nd Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Happy Hour “Conversation with a Purpose” at the 2022 ACLAM Forum. The catered event was held at Rio Rio Cantina on Tuesday, May 3rd. Participation exceeding expectations with over 70 attendees! Attendees were provided diversity bracelets and diversity bingo cards upon entrance, and the conversations that followed were open and meaningful. Two lucky diplomates won the door prize raffle and received bags of T21 coffee which supports Down Syndrome research. The event was a huge success, and we look forward to the 3rd installment at the 2023 ACLAM Forum! |
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post-AALAS: A CANDID CONVERSATION
ABOUT RACIAL JUSTICE IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE: 90 days later
PLEASE DO NOT USE QR CODES FOR PRE AND POST TESTS AS THE SURVEYS HAVE CLOSED, THANK YOU!
| Candid Conversations: 90 Days Later |
AALAS: A Candid Conversation
about racial justice in laboratory animal science
| AALAS Candid Conversations |
Candid Conversations… When talk becomes action
One year later, the VOE-Network remains committed more than ever to their DE&I initiative, with emphasis on racial justice and partnership with HBCUs. Most recently they Dr. Sharron Kirchain (Takeda), Dr. Tanise Jackson (FAMU), Dr. Donna Matthews Jarrell (MGH), and Mr. Kendrick Jenkins (Takeda) led a panel discussion at the National AALAS meeting in Kansas City, “A Candid Conversation about Racial Justice in Laboratory Animal Science.” the dialogue was robust and authentic, and raised provocative perspectives on topics such as:
• understanding the differences between the terms “diversity”, “equity” and “inclusion”
• what diversity looks like
• individual and institutional responses to DE&I
• practical tools to practice DE&I in your workplace
• personal stories of race relations and of white privilege
"It is a privilege that I was heedless of from childhood well into my adult years.” Commented Kirchain “I used to say ‘I am not racist’ (a debatable sentiment if I was completely honest and humble with myself), and I thought everything and everybody around me was going to be okay. More recently I have come to realize that being individually inclusive was not adequate, and I can and should do more.”
Are we ready to take the next step?
Dr. Donna Matthews Jarrell noted that DE&I work is best practiced in a community setting. You are invited to join the VOE-Network community for a weekly virtual 15 minute mindfulness moment, ongoing from November – January. Make this commitment to benefit yourself and others. it’s easy—no homework, no difficult conversations, just show up for some simple mindful practices. Sign up here.
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*VIVARIUM OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE STATEMENT ON RACIAL INJUSTICE:
"I remember the evening that the concept of a network of lean adaptors was born at an ACLAM Forum in
Idaho. The diversity of those three individuals, Steve Niemi, Sai Tummala and myself is worth noting
because everything about our brainstorming was about the content of our ideas (character) and not the
color of our skin. Too many times, I’ve participated in conversations where the opposite of that was
true. As an African-American woman who understands the personal toll of racism and brutality, I
wanted to acknowledge that the origin of the VOEN was grounded in equality and inclusion from the
very start.
So, what can be done about these issues? As many have already said around the nation, it’s going to
require work to improve. As an Organizational Leader, I have made a personally committed to
performing a “deep dive” into my department’s culture and the plight of our staff who are People of
Color, especially those who are African-American. I charge all VOE-N members to do something similar.
Remember to include the right stakeholders in your problem-solving and then implement improvements
that are measurable and meet your anticipated goal. Resolving the inequities associated with these
conditions will require continuous attention and adjustment.
The strength of the VOEN has always been based on the participation of its member organizations. I’m
asking that all members continue to emphasize that lean’s philosophy at its core is based on inclusion
and that racism and exclusion should not be tolerated in any form.
It’s time for a change."
-- Personal Statement on Racism and Brutality from VOE-N Founding Member and First President, Donna Matthews Jarrell, to the BOD and member organizations. (6.11.2020)
Idaho. The diversity of those three individuals, Steve Niemi, Sai Tummala and myself is worth noting
because everything about our brainstorming was about the content of our ideas (character) and not the
color of our skin. Too many times, I’ve participated in conversations where the opposite of that was
true. As an African-American woman who understands the personal toll of racism and brutality, I
wanted to acknowledge that the origin of the VOEN was grounded in equality and inclusion from the
very start.
So, what can be done about these issues? As many have already said around the nation, it’s going to
require work to improve. As an Organizational Leader, I have made a personally committed to
performing a “deep dive” into my department’s culture and the plight of our staff who are People of
Color, especially those who are African-American. I charge all VOE-N members to do something similar.
Remember to include the right stakeholders in your problem-solving and then implement improvements
that are measurable and meet your anticipated goal. Resolving the inequities associated with these
conditions will require continuous attention and adjustment.
The strength of the VOEN has always been based on the participation of its member organizations. I’m
asking that all members continue to emphasize that lean’s philosophy at its core is based on inclusion
and that racism and exclusion should not be tolerated in any form.
It’s time for a change."
-- Personal Statement on Racism and Brutality from VOE-N Founding Member and First President, Donna Matthews Jarrell, to the BOD and member organizations. (6.11.2020)
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Call for Action: Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in Animal Healthcare: What we ARE doing? We have received several emails from attendees supporting what was shared and seeking information on what’s next and how to get involved. While we recognize that many institutions are ready for change, we also acknowledge that change is not always easy. As set out in our mission statement, the VOE-N members are here to help each other to continuously improve. We encourage anyone who would like to get more engaged through our Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, to reach out and let us know of your interest. It is our desire that we all benefit from the efforts of this new task force through the collective ideas and initiatives which can brought back to your own institution. |
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