Staying the Course: A Message to DEIB Practitioners in Challenging Times

If you’re feeling exhausted, discouraged, or even under attack in your work, you are not alone. The tide has shifted in many spaces, and the backlash against diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is real. It’s disheartening. It’s frustrating. And for many, it feels deeply personal. After all, this work isn’t just professional—it’s woven into our lived experiences, our values, and our hopes for the future.

But here’s the truth: The resistance we’re facing now is a sign that our work has been working. Systems do not fight back when they aren’t threatened. The pushback is not a sign of failure—it’s a response to progress.

So how do we move forward?

1. Reaffirm Your Why

This work is not about trends, corporate buzzwords, or checking boxes. It’s about real people, real lives, and real systemic change. Go back to your core values. What brought you to this work in the first place? Who are you advocating for? What impact do you want to leave behind? Grounding yourself in your purpose can help you move forward with clarity and resilience.

2. Rest Is a Form of Resistance

Burnout is real, and urgency culture is a tool of oppression. When systems are working against you, exhaustion becomes inevitable. Rest is not giving up—it’s a strategy for longevity. Take time to pause, breathe, and recharge so you can keep going. The work will always be there, but you cannot pour from an empty cup.

3. Find Your People

You don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with others who understand—whether it’s a trusted circle of fellow DEIB practitioners, mentors, community groups, or even online spaces. Collective care is a radical act. We are stronger when we lean on each other, amplify one another, and remind each other that we are not alone in this fight.

4. Celebrate the Wins (Even the Small Ones)

Progress can feel slow, and the setbacks can be overwhelming. But even in difficult times, victories exist. Maybe it's a policy that was changed, a mindset that shifted, or a brave conversation that was had. No win is too small to acknowledge. These moments matter.

5. Adapt, But Don’t Compromise Your Integrity

Opposition forces us to be strategic. The way we do DEIB may need to evolve, but the why should remain constant. If certain doors are closing, look for new pathways. If one strategy isn't working, refine it. Adaptation is survival—but it doesn’t mean watering down the mission.

6. Remember: Backlash Means You’re on the Right Track

If the work you’re doing wasn’t effective, there wouldn’t be this level of resistance. Backlash isn’t a stop sign—it’s proof that power structures feel the pressure of change. Keep going. The future is shaped by those who refuse to be silenced.

7. Hope Is a Discipline

Hope is not passive—it’s a choice. A practice. A discipline. When it feels impossible, choose it anyway. Because every movement for justice that came before us faced resistance. And yet, progress was made.

You are needed. Your work is valuable. And no matter how loud the opposition gets, remember this: You are planting seeds for a future you may not get to see—but it will grow. Keep going. We’re in this together.