Inclusion for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivors

JOIN IN AND SIT AT OUR DINING TABLE
​– By Cathy Pipcho
Hodgkin’s International was initiated after extensive planning and brainstorming. We had in mind that “International” would be all encompassing to include anyone diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

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Presently, we are sitting back and reflecting. We’re looking at our Board of Directors, Facebook account members, and Zoom participants.  Observation tells us that we are not as all encompassing as we intended which begs the question, why?  We must be more inclusive and equitable in our efforts to reach and embrace more people of color, all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and more.
What are the questions to ask, and what are the actions to be taken?  We have to start somewhere. This is the time, this is the place. When my daughter moved to a new city to live in a home with volunteers, it represented the world more than our organization currently does. On night one they came together around the dining room table.  They asked questions, tackled presumptions, and discussed disparities and stereotypes.   When they didn’t know something, they asked.  Now Hodgkin’s International is asking.
Hodgkin’s International doesn’t want to be complacent.  If Hodgkin’s International isn’t reaching and engaging HL survivors of all genders, nationalities, and races, we need to do better. Let’s start the conversation. We call for your insightful thoughts to aid HI in overcoming the unintentional shortcomings we may have. We want you to take a seat at our dining table and continue the conversation.
Please feel free to write to us with your thoughts and ideas. We are listening!
Thank you!