What is Pride Month?
Happy Pride! Observed every June since 1970 following the Stonewall Riots, Pride Month is a celebration of the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a reminder of the progress made towards equality and the work that lies ahead, while emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equality. The annual observance is marked by various events across the nation, including parades, educational programs, and community activities, aimed at promoting awareness and fostering a spirit of inclusion.
Looking Back: Why We Started the LGBTQIA+ ERG
Believe it or not, this is now our second Pride Month with a LGBTQ+ employee resource group (ERG) established โ time flies! This group was established to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies while fostering understanding and acceptance throughout the Bank.
Research indicates the 83% of those who identify as LGBTQ+ keep this information hidden from their employer and the majority of people they work with. By creating this ERG, weโre doing our part in breaking down barriers in the industry and hope to be an example for other institutions to do the same. The co-leaders of the ERG, Rick Battaglia and Mike Kirschman, had a clear objective from the get-go: to create a safe and supportive space for team members, to foster a sense of belonging, and to serve as a resource.
Looking Forward: Goals for the Future
With the expansion of Penn Community Bank into the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia regions, the group is looking to participate in Pride events in those communities. This Pride Month, the ERG has partnered with our Health and Wellness Committee to sponsor a โPride Ride,โ where participants will take on a healthy โspinโ on Pride Month.
Later in the year, the LGBTQ+ ERG plans to host a virtual learning session to learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
By equipping our team members with knowledge and understanding, we can better understand the customers we serve and break down barriers. External initiatives include community engagement and sponsorship of local Pride initiatives and festivities to demonstrate our commitment to the community.
At Penn Community Bank, we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are not just buzzwords. DE&I is a fundamental of our organization that shapes our culture and success. Likewise, community is our middle name โ signifying not just the areas we serve, but the diverse groups within those areas.
For more information on our DE&I efforts, visit www.PennCommunityBank.com.
