04Nov

Racial Equity Institute

November 4, 2019 Jessica Bottesch

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, our Team here at Empower took the opportunity to attend a workshop presented by the Racial Equity Institute. REI is an organization dedicated to creating equitable systems by challenging traditional, patterns, concepts and mores through education. As a Team we wanted to share our thoughts on what we learned.

“The Racial Equity Training is powerful. To say that it may provoke a seismic shift in perspective still understates both the scope and impact of the information presented to all who attend. This workshop is vital, poignant, and long overdue.”

-Chuck

“When we talked about going to a seminar on racial equality, I thought it was awesome to be working somewhere and this be a priority for the team. Thinking that I would enjoy just getting some knowledge, information and a reminder of what my community deals with regularly was an understatement. Little did I know that my eyes were opened more than I thought they would’ve been. During and by the end of the training, I felt several emotions ranging from sadness, anger, being proud and bewildered. The tears, sadness and anger is directed to the realization that there was, and still is, a system in place specifically to hurt, hold back, break down, disenfranchise, demoralize… and more, all black and brown people. Feeling proud is knowing that as a black woman, I am part of a people and community that won’t quit, is strong, fights through and is resilient!! And lastly, I felt bewildered because….now what?

Overall, I feel it is an awesome experience to learn to be uncomfortable in order to be better. Everyone plays a part. Unfortunately, those who need this the most will never go and as a result will continue to think racial inequality is ok. As a double minority, I love being a woman and more so, I LOVE being a melanated woman. And for clarity, loving my blackness and who I am does not mean not loving someone who is non-melanated. I often hear people say “they don’t see color”. Although I hear the point that is trying to be made, I don’t think that is helpful. I want you to see my color, I want you to know who I am, because it is one of the best parts of me. Therefore I wouldn’t want it not to be seen. What I do want, is for color to be seen and heard and understood.

I recommend everyone to go, get uncomfortable, learn your truth…. then do better!”

-Telese

“The Racial Equity Institute (REI) training was the most educational, emotionally charged trainings that I have ever attended in my life. I learned more in the two days about the history of this country than I ever have in any classroom. Not only has it opened my eyes more to the injustices in this country but it has also changed my life. I am so thankful that there are people who are involved with this type of teachings and I was able to attend it. I highly recommend it to everyone so that maybe we can make the changes that are necessary for the growth of this nation.”

-Iman

“The Racial Equity Institute workshop is basically the U.S. history class that every U.S. citizen should have been taught in school, but never was. Whether you’re Asian, black, Hispanic/latino, native American, or white, EVERYBODY needs to experience this in-depth, fact-based examination of the systems and policies that created racial inequity from the founding of our nation and that are still perpetuated today.”

-Nestor

“Going into REI I was skeptical, I wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it would be opinion based and open to interpretation. Instead the presenters methodically layed out the history of racism in America step by step. Going into a history that no one gets in grade school, this information is enlightening and undeniable. Regardless of your race or background REI will give you new insights into the sickening depths of racism in America and will show you just how woven it is into our society. If you have any interest in America’s history or becoming a better person then attend an REI Session.”

-Chris

“REI was an amazing experience. It was hard work and uncomfortable at times but so worth it. I would recommend it to everyone.”

-Blaine

“The racial equity workshop opened my eyes to how the markedness theory applies to race. I learned a lot about history of this country and I highly recommend everyone go to this training so we can begin to change things for the future”

-Amanda

“Over the last few years I became aware of the Racial Equity Institute and their transformative trainings. And often, I would say to myself that I will attend a training…one day. I did have the opportunity to attend the Groundwater Presentation a while back, but I had not yet committed the 2 days to invest in the Phase 1 training. Until recently when we embarked on this journey together as a team.

To say the training was life changing is an understatement, and I highly recommend that anyone and everyone make time for this important work. You will grow and stretch in new ways as much of what you think you knew is challenged. Expect to be saddened, angry, confused, defeated, but ultimately transformed as you unpack the very potent and very ugly reality of what it means to live in a society that by design was created to support the interests of the few at the expense of the many.

The question is not “if” but “when” you will go. Please make it a priority!”

-Ronda

“For me, REI Phase 1 equity training was an eye-opening and heart-wrenching look into the intentional construct of race and racism, the brutal truth of our American history, and how structural and institutional racism are now so baked into our culture that it literally affects every aspect of our lives. It helped me see some of my own implicit bias and how, at times, my silence in the face of racism was an act of complicity. I have continued my equity training through reading and podcasts and I am learning more about how to speak out about injustice.

I am grateful that our team has all completed this training and now has a shared language and understanding of how a system of whiteness and racism is at play (whether we want it to be or not) in our workplace, in our town, and in this country.

There is a lot of work to be done in order to be agents of change and we invite our community to join us on this journey.”

-Jess

11Jul

EMPOWER’s Business Culture and Our Commitment to Our Values

July 11, 2019 Jessica Bottesch

Cont’d from our email . . .

Integrity – We always speak honestly and stay true to what we promise. Trust is an integral part of our team dynamic and we strive to earn and develop long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships. We will admit to making mistakes and continually learn from them.

Commitment – We give 100 percent of ourselves and stay committed to our commitments in our ascent towards success. We believe in and are committed to the Vision, Mission, Culture and success of Empower Personalized Fitness, the Empower team and all Empower clients.

Accountability – We are responsible for our actions and outcomes and will take ownership of the decisions we make.

Conflict – We understand that in order for a TEAM to function effectively, it must engage in healthy, productive conflict from time to time in order to resolve issues, achieve clarity, and obtain buy in from all members. As a TEAM we commit to engaging in conflict according to our TEAM’s conflict norms.

Excellence – We strive to deliver services of exceptional quality that exceed customer expectations. We will continually work to improve ourselves, our facility, our products and our services to best serve the entire Empower Team and Community.

Education – We constantly better our knowledge and understanding in an ever-changing industry and world so as to provide our clients with the most relevant and healthful knowledge at all times.

Respect and Tolerance – We respect all parts of the Empower Personalized Fitness business model but most importantly its PEOPLE. We will treat our clients, colleagues, vendors, and partners with compassion and kindness. In difficult circumstances we do our best to empathize with the other side and view the situation from their perspective.

Diversity and Inclusivity – We live and work in a thriving town that is enriched by the diversity of its PEOPLE. We are committed to creating an environment that honors and celebrates our differences and embraces the truth that our diversity is what makes us strong. At EMPOWER inclusiveness means that everyone feel valued and respected and everyone has access to the opportunities they need as individuals.

Positive attitude and FUN – We view life as a journey to be enjoyed and appreciated, and we create an atmosphere of fun and happiness so all around us can enjoy it as well.

Adaptability and Creativity – The only thing constant is change. Given this truth, we accept change and view it as opportunity for growth. Innovation is the key to forward progress. We encourage independent thinking and embrace new ideas.

TEAMwork – We work collaboratively as a TEAM with each other, our clients and the community. Each member of the team brings special talents and areas of expertise to Empower Personalized Fitness. We are flexible in our work and able to make changes to reach resolutions.

Balance – Self-care is NOT selfish. As a healthcare company we know we must take good care of ourselves in order to effectively help others. Therefore, we strive to lead balanced lives remembering that spiritual, social, physical and family aspects are as important as financial and professional goals.

Communication – We work diligently to make effective and open communication a high priority. We understand that every person we encounter has something to teach us and strive to be attentive listeners. We speak positively of our fellow team members, our clients and Empower Personalized Fitness at all times. We greet and say good-bye to people using their names.

Success & Profitability – We appreciate that profit is the lifeblood of every business and that a profitable business benefits everyone in our organization as well as in the communities we serve.

And the story continues with a look ahead . . .

As many of your know we have been brainstorming and re-imagining our physical studio space as we approach the end of lease term and have to make decisions about next steps. With all of the thought and consideration we have going in the direction of future visioning it is impossible to separate our dreams of what our studio could look like and our dreams about what we want Empower to BE. For us that posed one simple question . . . how can we lean in to our core values more fully? One of our intentions for this year was GROWTH – but we are not just interested in growing larger. How can we as a team, as a company, as fitness community grow deeper?

We were in the midst of examining this when something wonderful happened. Jim Garman, a long-standing Empower client, contacted us with an opportunity. He had just finished a 2-Day intensive Racial Equity Training program that for him was a life-changing experience. He was so moved in fact that he really felt that he had to share it with others and was calling to offer to pay for this training for a couple Empower team members.

We were overwhelmed with gratitude and moreover inspired to take action. As a company we not only want to write our list of core values in our employee handbook, but we want to have social impact and values interwoven into all aspects of our brand and business practices. So, with Jim’s gift as our inspirational spark we decided to invest in Racial Equity Training through the Racial Equity Institute (REI) for our whole team.

You see, we are a diverse team, living in a diverse community, during a very pivotal time. It would be easy for us to take comfort in our similarities and grow more fearful of our differences – but that is NOT who we are and that is NOT what makes us great. In order to embrace our uniqueness it is important to learn more about the histories and experiences of people of differing identities. We, as a team, are starting here – deepening our understanding of racial inequality and how it affects all of us. This will likely be the most meaningful continuing education we have ever had.

In the spirit of community, we would like to invite you to join us in completing an REI training over the next couple of months. You can learn more about REI here:

https://www.racialequityinstitute.com

Also, if you would like to talk to Jess or Ronda more specifically about this training please email us here: owners@becomepowerful.com.