People work better when they feel valued and they believe their individual and group differences are taken into account The ability to learn from people regarded as different is the key to becoming fully empowered. When people feel valued and empowered, they feel good and are able to build, relationships in which they work better together.

To promote diversity, some things you can do are:

1. Reflect on your own feelings about diversity and how they are communicated to your organization.
What messages are we sending overtly and unconsciously?

2. Help people to expand their opinions, feelings and activities on diversity.

3. Make it a priority to learn about differences as well as similarities. Foster relationships with people who are different from you. Participate in diversity related activities.

5. Choose someone to meet with regularly who also wishes to function with more sensitivity to differences. Share goals, set milestones and report on your progress.

6. Make a list of the things you say or jokes you tell that may be stereotypical and/or hurtful.

7. Learn more about different community groups through reading and attending workshops.

8. Be with people in their own environment where they may be more comfortable.

9. Take some time to talk to individuals as individuals. Listen to their opinions and share knowledge about ways our organization can better meet their needs.

10. Conduct team-building activities where people can get to really know each other.

11. Get people from different cultures together and ask questions. Learn what offends people and what makes them feel more comfortable.

12. Ask people what they value about their culture.

This is just a “starter” list, however, once you get started on the road to appreciating differences, you will learn it can be a powerful and productive journey.