Barefoot

Cincinnati Animal CARE is committed to ensuring that all animals in Hamilton County are valued, protected and have a safe place to call home. This week, a few folks from the Barefoot team got to meet some of their pups and es**rt them on a neighborhood walk. 🐾🐕‍🦺

If you're looking for a cute, fluffy way to give back, check out their volunteering or foster opportunities!

According to a Navigate Wellbeing Solutions survey, 40% of LGBTQ+ employees are still closeted at work. Chris Evans, CEO of Barefoot, recently shared his perspective and personal experience on why it's so crucial that employers create an encouraging, accepting environment where people can come out when they feel ready. 🏳️‍🌈

https://www.worklife.news/dei/lgbtq-security/



[ID: Headshot of Chris Evans, CEO of Barefoot.]

According to the Human Rights Campaign, over 520 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced across the country this year — a new record. You can make a difference in your city, state and community by speaking out against these bills. Check out our tips for writing your elected officials, including a template to get you started.

Rainbow-washing is a term you might hear during Pride Month and beyond, but what does it mean? And why does it matter? Here are some tips to look at rainbows and fun mantras through a more informed, critical lens.

Meaningful moments come to life when we intentionally make space for unique, diverse voices. We recognize and celebrate Pride as a time to uplift LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences, especially as opposition to the community is surging. This month we'll be featuring media recommendations, ideas for advocacy and tips on interpreting Pride content. Happy Pride, y'all! 🏳️‍🌈

Last week we hosted our annual Barefie Awards, which included ballpark venue views, a serenade by our event host and Toes coming in from all over the world. We're grateful to everyone who gathered in Cincy to celebrate.💜And a shoutout to Angie Lipscomb Photography for capturing the memories.📸



[ID: Photos of Barefoot team members at the Barefie Awards.]

Celebrating International Women's Day by spotlighting just a few of our amazing women at Barefoot — here are some words of appreciation and admiration that fellow Toes shared. From their professional prowess to their incredible dedication, we're in awe of all the ways they make our team better! 👏🏻



[ID: Headshots of women at Barefoot]

Our February book club read was Parable of the Sower, an award-winning science fiction novel by Octavia E. Butler. If you're looking to add more books by Black authors to your reading list this year, here are more recommendations from our team (including some books for kiddos).



[ID: Photo of Parable of the Sower and list of additional reading recommendations.]

Whether you're a daily podcast listener or prefer binging a good show, there's a ton of content by Black creators that's worth checking out (within and outside of Black History Month). Here are just a few recommendations from our team. ⏩️



[ID: Carousel of podcast, movies and television recommendations for Black History Month.]

From cultural icons to social activists, Black History Month celebrates the achievements and excellence of Black Americans. Swipe for a few facts you might not know. 👉



[ID: Carousel of Black History Month historical figures.]

Our Barefoot Book Club pick for October was 's Cultish, a fascinating deep dive into the language of fanaticism.

The book inspired lots of discussion about corporate jargon, cultish behavior we've seen in our own lives and whether advertising agencies themselves might be a little "culty." We didn't exactly reach a consensus on the latter, but we did decide we might need a glossary for the all the acronyms.



[ID: Copy of the book "Cultish” with leaves in the background]