Our Commitment is Unwavering: Equity and Inclusion are Essential to Human Experience

by Jason A. Wolf, Ph.D., CPXP

In this moment in our world history, it has never been more important to be clear in intention, commitment, and purpose. Since the time we established The Beryl Institute community almost 15 years ago through to this day, you have heard me reinforce a fundamental truth that at the heart of healthcare we are human beings caring for human beings.

The idea of human being is a construct that with it too has another truth – as human beings we are not all the same. How we look, what we believe, the languages we speak, the cultural perspectives that shape us, are all realities each of us as human beings bring to bear in our very act of being human. These are differences that make communities vibrant tapestries of possibility. This diversity is a not an abstract idea, it is a reality, people are diverse and that leads us to be better aware, more informed, purposefully challenged, and hopefully enlightened through our interactions with others. For in understanding this, and acknowledging that we are unique ourselves, we can come to celebrate the differences of others. These are not levers of some grand scheme. These are the reflections of who each of us is and aspires to be.

When difference, the attempts to understand and value it, the acknowledgement that it causes inequities, and the efforts to address those challenges, is framed as a problem, we are relenting to fear, hurt, mistrust, and misunderstanding. That is not who we are as a community. That is a perspective that – grounded in our community values and the Declaration for Human Experience to forge a bold new path to a more human-centered, equitable and effective healthcare system – we cannot and will not accept.

Our commitment is unwavering that equity and inclusion are essential to human experience.

• In our effort to learn about and understand others, we do not diminish ourselves.
• In seeking paths to address inequity, we do not close doors for others.
• In honoring and welcoming all people for who they choose to be, we do not discriminate against others, but rather we create the ultimate environment of opportunity catalyzed by inclusion.
• We can never allow a space where systemic discrimination – implicitly and explicitly – is acceptable and we must not relent in our commitment to continue to care for our fellow human beings in every action.
• When we work to realize an open, accessible, and equitable healthcare environment, we honor all who have faced the true pains of discrimination and disparity and acknowledge those who feel overlooked as well.

I share this to say that in the face of the prevailing winds sowing seeds of blame, division, and fear, we remain steadfast in our commitment as a community to choose innovation, inclusion, and joy. This is grounded in the belief that you cannot truly transform the human experience, unless you create the means to ensure all humans are seen and heard, experience dignity and respect, have access and can realize positive outcomes.

That is why we are here. In caring for that next person in front of us for who they are, we start a ripple effect that impacts our organizations, our communities, our countries, and the world. Now is not the time to relent or be deterred. We will not and we are not.

We hope with that clarity we can all continue to move forward as a global family with a greater commitment that honors that tapestry of opportunity, possibility, and hope that we all strive to weave together every day. We are grateful to walk this journey with you and we will hold strong against the winds.