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PPB How has Sonic Promos expanded its internship program? Weiner Sonic has had an internship program for many years. We give interns a variety of opportunities to try out the elements of operating a business. Some of our best clients have started as interns. I have spoken before about “entry points” when it comes to how people get into the promo world. Most people do not say they want to sell shirts and mugs when they grow up. Most people are born in, married in or fall in [this industry]. To increase DEI in our industry, we need to create the entry points where they normally have not been. To do this, I began connecting with all the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. (There are about 100.) It is a hard and challenging time to hire right now. By doing the work now to make the connections, we will be ready when it is time to offer opportunities. PPB What do you suggest to other distributors who are looking to open the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion, but aren’t sure where to get started? Weiner Just start. It will be a slow start. You will get some things wrong. You will then get things less wrong. Our industry is interesting in that there are so many companies with one, two or a few people. How can one person create a DEI workplace? How can 100? My advice has been to do an audit of yourself. See where you are. What is the make-up of your company? Who are your clients? Who are your suppliers? Do you volunteer? Do your employees? Do you support these efforts? From there, you will find that you are probably already doing a few things. Now do more. Are you writing a manifesto? No. Just keep track of your key ideas. What is important? How are you going to see that those key ideas are followed through on and carried on in your general dealings? PPB In your experience, has there been a specific area of diversity, equity and inclusion that many people have found confusing, challenging or intimidating? And do you have a suggestion on how they can move past it? Weiner I think that most people are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, so it is easier to do or say nothing. That time is over. I have found that there is some confusion over equality and equity. That would take its own article. There is a difference. My key points are: inclusion is a process, not an action and ignorance can be an answer but it cannot be an excuse. If you are afraid to start the discussion, call me and I will. It is a standing offer. Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. PPAI: 111248 | ASI: 35375 | SAGE: 50327 | UPIC: ACCENTS | DC:101273 www.americanaccents.com 888.287.7883 | customerservice@americanaccents.com WHITE PAPER CUPS Poly coated interior Great for offices, break rooms, & more Perfect for hot & cold beverages Matching lids & wraps available Multiple print methods available 25 piece minimums! 3 day turnaround Made & printed in the USA Made from renewable resources | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 83 THINK