Stay Connected to Keep Growing and Glowing Up
By Roben Allong, Lightbeam Communications (M/WBE), New York, New York, robena@lightbeamnyc.com
“In a real sense, all life is interrelated. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be…This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and the Struggle That Changed a Nation
The relevance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter (excerpt above) is as undiminished as when it was written in 1963, almost 60 years ago. At that time America was in a struggle to end racism and discrimination. The landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin, and later sexual orientation and gender identity were added to the list.
At QRCA, we too, continue to elevate our efforts around increasing our member skillset, diversity, inclusivity, and consequently, our networks. We do have a ways to go. When our membership and attendance at our events are diverse, it empowers all of us. To facilitate that it is essential that we are all well versed in the evolving consumer demographics, emerging cultures, and technology impacting our world, our industry, and organizations like QRCA where we choose to belong. So how can we challenge ourselves and others to obtain a better understanding of and keep up to date on what’s happening around us so that we all glow up—reach our full potential?
First, awareness is not solely dependent on curiosity. Raising our awareness through connecting and openly sharing with others is one of the most effective ways to elevate knowledge, skills, and more importantly, human interaction.
Second, quallies know that the real trick is maintaining connection. When you learn how to stay connected, you also develop the ability to uncover deeper insights, expand your network, make new friends, and you might just experience more fun in life. Of course, the benefits of staying in contact are too numerous to mention here but suffice it to say being a member of QRCA makes it a bit easier. Attending annual Conferences, Chapter and SIG events, whether on or offline, as well as various Qualology programs, provides great opportunities to stay connected. Participating and/or volunteering to serve on a Committee or Task Force is also another way to get involved, be seen, and share your experiences and talents.
Third, frankly, the ease of accessibility to other QRCA members, and nonmembers who drop in from time to time, is one of the many reasons why I’ve stayed a member for so many years. And in that time, I have witnessed a myriad of diverse members be nurtured, mentored, and supported by other members, each growing to reach their potential and beyond. Being a member has helped me foster many lifelong friendships, develop more effective research and leadership skills, and become a published writer sharing my own toolbox about conducting research among other cultures and ethnicities. Membership can do the same for you, but it also requires a commitment to helping not only yourself, but others grow and glow up.
Lastly, seeing your potential reflected in that of others at QRCA is a unique gift that sets the organization apart. Technology makes it easier and more convenient to reach members across the globe in forty-five countries! QRCA sees that each member regardless of gender, race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, and/or ability is a seed of greatness just waiting to take root. We strive to provide that fertile soil to connect and unlock the potential within all researchers because we are and remain inter-related and connected.
Best regards,
Roben Allong
