Diversity - Overview
Highlights
What is Diversity?
Diversity as we define it means difference. Our premise is that differences in perspectives, experience, backgrounds, etc., can offer benefits to any organization. While many believe that diversity only refers to race and gender, it is much more. Though these are two very important aspects of diversity, there are many more ways in which we differ. At times there can be barriers between co-workers due to cultural, educational, functional, regional, or even style differences. These dimensions make us individuals and allow us to make unique contributions to the success of the organizations we belong to.
Diversity is the sense that no matter where you come from, who you are, or what your background is, there is a place for you.
A diverse organization is one which values difference. It is one which recognizes that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions. Diverse organizations encourage and harness these differences to make their services relevant and approachable. A diverse organization draws upon the widest possible range of views and experiences, so it can listen to, and meet, the changing needs of its customers, staff, shareholders, vendors, partners and supporters.
Why Embrace Diversity?
Diversity enriches organizations. We learn from those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, and these lessons can be taught best in a richly diverse intellectual and social environment.
It promotes personal growth and a healthy society. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps employees learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.
It strengthens communities and the workplace. Working within a diverse setting prepares employees to be good citizens in an increasingly complex society; it fosters mutual respect and teamwork; and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions.
It enhances America's economic competitiveness. Sustaining the nation's prosperity in the 21st century will require us to make effective use of the talents and abilities of all our citizens, in organizations that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Position Description
The Diversity Director is responsible for assisting members and chapters in valuing diversity in SHRM, our member companies, local communities and in the workplace in general.
RESPONSIBLE TO:
State Director
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attend all State Council meetings and actively participate in Council matters.
- Educate members to increase awareness of diversity issues and provide resources, including best practices information, to help them manage diversity in their own workplaces.
- Participate in outreach activities to increase diversity among the SHRM membership and volunteer leadership.
- Develop and coordinate recognition for diversity-related activities at the State level and the chapter level, including the coordination of the Chapter Diversity Award and the state level Diversity Award.
- Assist local chapters with their diversity efforts and activities, such as diversity-related programming.
- Participate in Core Leadership Area (CLA) events, including the SHRM National Leadership Conference, the National SHRM Diversity Conference, and state-level conferences, to obtain and share news and ideas.
- Utilize National SHRM resources as needed.
- Encourage Council members to participate in or view volunteer leader diversity-related webcasts.
- Update diversity web page on state council website.
- Perform other duties as assigned by State Director.
REQUIREMENTS:
- SHRM membership in good standing required.
- HRCI certification preferred.
TERM:
Serves a one-year term beginning with the first day of January and ending the last day of December. May be reappointed for two additional terms for a total service of three years.
Contact Information:
Diversity Director
Amy Collett, SPHR
Society Insurance
150 Camelot Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Ph: 920.922.1220
Fx: 920.922.7013
Em: acollett@societyinsurance.com
Term Began: 1/1/07