Equity: A Lesson from Starting a Club
Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me the true meaning of equity. It’s a story about starting a club, but it’s also about so much more. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s journey back in time together.
The Birth of the Club
It was the summer of ’65. I was a young lad, full of energy and ideas. I decided to start a club, a place where everyone could share their thoughts, their dreams, and their passions. I named it The Round Table, inspired by the tales of King Arthur and his knights.
The First Hurdle
As the club grew, so did the challenges. We had a diverse group of members, each with their own unique perspectives and backgrounds. It was then that I realized that equality and equity were not the same thing.
Equality vs Equity
Equality means treating everyone the same, giving everyone the same opportunities. But equity, my dear friends, is about fairness. It’s about recognizing that each person has different needs and circumstances, and adjusting our approach accordingly.
The Lesson Learned
One day, a new member joined our club. His name was Tom, and he was deaf. We were all equal members of the club, but Tom couldn’t participate in our discussions the way others could. It was then that I understood the difference between equality and equity.
We could have treated Tom the same as everyone else, but that wouldn’t have been fair. Instead, we learned sign language. We adjusted our meetings to accommodate Tom’s needs. That’s equity.
Carrying the Lesson Forward
That experience taught me a valuable lesson about equity, one that I’ve carried with me throughout my life. It’s not enough to treat everyone the same. We must strive to understand and meet the unique needs of each individual.
So, my dear friends, as you go about your day, remember the lesson of The Round Table. Strive for equity, not just equality. Recognize the unique needs of those around you, and do your best to meet them. That’s the true spirit of fairness.
Until next time,
Kev