BWL Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Webpage

The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and experiences. Today, the BWL launched its new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) webpage, where employees and customers can learn what BWL is doing to foster and support a vibrant workforce.

“The BWL unconditionally denounces systemic racism and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with those who continue to suffer and lose their lives because of it,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. “Racism has no home at the BWL. Instead, we choose to live our motto: Hometown People, being the diverse individuals - employees and customers alike, comprising the rich tapestry of the greater Lansing region; Hometown Power, our combined strength as we promote social justice, together, as one.”

The BWL recognizes that racism, both conscious and unconscious, is a national crisis, and in order to be leaders in our community, the BWL must stand up against any hateful acts, recognize the pain that people of color are feeling and work to continue being an ally for all employees.

The BWL has taken the following actions to further these goals:

• Created Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee that actively recruits members representing all aspects of diversity, dedicated to promoting shared, authentic values of inclusion, equity, respect and understanding
• Developed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic plan as a roadmap to achieve a greater culture of inclusion, respect and understanding
• Ongoing diversity training for every employee, beginning in 2019, focused on four core areas:
  • Understanding generations in the workplace
  • Cultural intelligence
  • Identifying and removing stereotypes, biases and isms
  • Identifying and removing microaggressions
• Support from general manager, with communications encouraging effective employee dialogue
• Continue diversity related talks with hosted guest speakers, employee “fireside chats,” and open access to internal communication channels
• Sponsor of several diversity and cultural events in the greater Lansing region

“Racism is real, and addressing it will require difficult conversations that start at the top of the organization,” said Peffley. “It’s my promise to our employees, our customers and our community that we know there’s more work to be done, and I’m prepared to continue to be that advocate for change.”

For more information on BWL’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, visit www.lbwl.com/diversity-equity-inclusion.