September 2024

PAFA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, PAFA proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. This year’s theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future," underscores the pivotal role that Hispanic communities play in driving innovation, fostering diversity, and building a brighter tomorrow. This celebration recognizes the enduring legacy and achievements of Hispanic pioneers across various fields, from the arts and sciences to politics and social justice. 

We invite our community to honor this month by participating in a variety of webinars, events, and learning opportunities designed to highlight the voices and contributions of Hispanic pioneers. These sessions will not only reflect on past accomplishments but also focus on how the Hispanic community continues to shape the future across industries and cultures.

Here are some upcoming webinars and events to learn more about Hispanic and Latinx communities:

1. Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 - Toolkit Launch Webinar: It’s that exciting time of the year again – Hispanic Heritage Month is six months away! Whether you've meticulously planned your activations, have a vague idea, or are starting from scratch, we've got you covered. Join us for the grand launch of our Hispanic Heritage Month Toolkit 2024! Embark on an insightful journey with Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder of We Are All Human, as she introduces you to the Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Star Toolkit 2024. Explore its contents, gain inspiration for impactful activations, and kickstart your early planning. Join us for this engaging session – we can't wait to have you with us! [ Click here for the webinar ]
2. Celebrating Latina Leaders During National Hispanic Heritage Month (Webinar): This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Progress, and Power in America. This theme pays tribute to the immense economic and political strides Hispanics have made in the United States. Honoring this theme, we are taking special note of the incredible role that Latinas have played in shaping and strengthening the fabric of our Nation. Join us as we hear inspiring stories about some modern trailblazing women and their contributions to American prosperity, power, and progress. [ Click here for the webinar ]
3. Siempre Salsa Philly Presents Salsa & Bachata Dance Party at Love Park - Fridays through September 27, 2024 -- Calling all the salseros and bachateros to the floor! Dance your way into the weekend in front of an iconic Philadelphia landmark when Siempre Salsa Philly’s free open-air dance party takes over LOVE Park. The night kicks off with all-ages, all-dance levels salsa and bachata lessons beginning at 7 p.m., followed by group dancing soundtracked by some of Philly’s favorite DJs and salsa bands. [ Click here for the event ]
4. Alexis Duque: Los Dueños De Nada at Taller Puertorriqueño: Alexis Duque trains his paintbrush and pencil on the people society tries to force to the margins — figuratively and often literally. Inspired by Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano’s poem Los Nadies, the Colombian-born, New York City-based artist places these so-called “nobodies” (men, women and children facing poverty and discrimination based on migration, ethnicity, class or identity) in the foreground. Taller Puertoriqueño brings the artist’s latest collection of paintings and works on paper to Philadelphia in his solo exhibition, Los Dueños De Nada [ Click here for the event ]

BOOST DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Challenge yourself this month to boost your diversity awareness calendar usage.

• Learn about September 2024 Events - including notable dates like National Recovery Month, Yom Kippur, International Suicide Prevention Day and other cultural observances, and more!
• Schedule Respectfully - With our PAFA Diversity Awareness Calendar, never forget important dates or events. Respect religious observances, holidays, and events.
• New Feature! Email signature images! Now you can build D&I with every email you send - find out how to add Diversity Calendar banners to your Outlook email signature.

2024 ANNUAL COMPLIANCE TRAINING UPDATE

The Office of Institutional Safety & Equity (OISE) is pleased to announce that the required courses for this year's annual compliance training have been streamlined for your convenience. Instead of completing the usual four courses, all employees are now only required to complete one comprehensive course: Building Supportive Communities: Taking Action (90 minutes).

This course is designed to equip you with essential tools and knowledge to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. Please ensure you complete this training by the designated deadline (September 30, 2024). Your participation is crucial in maintaining our commitment to a respectful and compliant organizational culture.

TRAINING FOR MANDATORY REPORTERS

As you know, all PAFA employees are Mandatory Reporters under Title IX. The 2024 Title IX regulations now require specific training for all employees. To ensure compliance, PAFA's Title IX Coordinator will conduct a training session to educate staff and faculty on their obligations, including mandatory reporting requirements and the specific information to share when notified of a potential Title IX violation.

The new training sessions will cover the latest regulatory requirements, best practices for reporting and investigating cases, and strategies for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Participation in these trainings is mandatory for all staff and faculty to ensure that we are fully compliant with the new regulations and equipped to support our community effectively.

A separate email will be sent with training dates for the Mandatory Reporters training workshop. Please note that this training will occur within the first two weeks of September.