May 2021
A Message from the Director
Misty Brucker

“Coach Misty, why do they call it stealing a base? That seems wrong.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”
“Coach Misty, I can’t find my hat. Someone has my hat.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”
“Coach Misty, I think I left my cup in the car. Nope, I got it in.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”

These are the very real dugout statements I heard last night while helping coach my son’s baseball team in League 42. While they are a pretty good baseball team, they are an even better example of what is right about humanity and why a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has to take personal involvement from each of us.

It’s been nearly one year since the killing of George Floyd, when the Public Policy & Management Center released our statement on Systemic Racism, Equity & Inclusion and shared our commitment for continuing our work in promoting the importance of diversity. A year into this...
Updates
What is the PPMC Working on?
  • Early Literacy | Born out of a Project Wichita initiative, the PPMC and partners are working to promote reading before Kindergarten. Check out this brochure in distribution.

  • City of Andover | The PPMC is in the stakeholder engagement phase of conducting a strategic plan for the City.

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition | The PPMC is continuing its work with MHSAC and recently created a Cost Avoidance Infographic.

  • Great Plains Nature Center | The PPMC recently completed a staffing study for the GPNC.

  • Public Service Recognition Week | The PPMC celebrated PSRW with inspiring messages and two awesome speakers, Dr. Lee Norman and Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan.
Upcoming Events

Memorial Day
May 31, 2021

Kansas County Clerks’ and Election Officials’ Association (Sanborn)
June 8-11, 2021

Women in Public Service Luncheon
June 18, 2021 // Noon-1:00pm

Juneteenth
June 19, 2021

CCMFOA Athenian Dialogue
June 24-25, 2021
Service Spotlight
Are you concerned about the future of your community? Or don't know which direction to move in? The PPMC can help with a strategic plan!
Women in Public Service
Women in Public Service is back in person!
Date: June 18
Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Wichita State University Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom
Speaker: Monique Garcia, Director of Community Relations, Kansas Health Foundation: Serving and Holding Purpose; The Power of a Mindful Truth

As Monique's professional role has grown and changed, she's held true to her purpose and been in those uncomfortable situations/conversations where she "gets" to share those mindful truths. Join us as she shares her journey and strategies to use when working with environments and people whose opinions are different/divided and things are difficult.

Please register by Monday, June 14 at 5 p.m. We have limited space.
City Clerks and Municipal Finance
Officers Association of Kansas
Athenian Dialogue
Date & Time:
June 24 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
June 25 from 9:00 to Noon
Facilitator: Jane Long, Ed.D.
Cost: $100 until Registration Deadline June 21
Read More from the PPMC Blog
Remain Committed
by Misty Bruckner, PPMC Director

“Coach Misty, why do they call it stealing a base? That seems wrong.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”
“Coach Misty, I can’t find my hat. Someone has my hat.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”
“Coach Misty, I think I left my cup in the car. Nope, I got it in.”
“Coach Misty, can I go to the bathroom?”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We Remain Committed.
What did the PPMC talk about this month?
Why corporate diversity programs fail -- and how small tweaks can have big impact
from Joan C. Williams

Listen to learn more about five main forms of bias:

  1. Prove it Again: Certain groups have to constantly prove themselves.
  2. Tightrope: Men can behave certain ways, but why can't women?
  3. Tug of War: if there is only room for one type of person, everyone from that group is forced to compete.
  4. Maternal Wall: Mothers are often seen as not available enough or too available.
  5. Racial Stereotypes: People are isolated or disrespected based on race or ethnicity.
DEI Resources
Organizational Resources on Racism & Inclusion

Involving Children in Equality Discussions
Learn More about the PPMC
Core Services:
Survey Research
Program Evaluation
Strategic Planning
Organizational Assessment
Policy Research
Board Development
Core Services
Community Engagement
Facilitation
Strategic Planning
Program Evaluation and Improvement
Core Services:
Professional Development
Association Support
Conference Administration
Specialized Training
PUBLIC POLICY & MANAGEMENT CENTER | www.Wichita.edu/PPMC