00 Presented by: Stephanie Smith, NWR Governor Elect Professional Development Coordinator October 2015 Valuing the Differences We Bring to Our Clubs

11 close your eyes and think…

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33 Diversity the unique combination of various diversity dimensions that makes each of us different from and similar to others. Inclusion the ability to interact with people in a way that makes them feel as if they belong and are welcome to be themselves.

Soroptimist Diversity Dimensions

55 I’m Stephanie Smith from SI of Oak Harbor  Inner Circle – I am part Native American and I am 54 years old (a Boomer)  Middle Circle – Values – family is important to me as well as work/volunteer/life balance; Religious beliefs – I’m spiritual but don’t practice a specific faith  Outer Circle – Member of my club for 21 years and right now family, work and region commitments have kept me from participating a lot with my club

66 Introduce yourself  Share your name and club  One or two items from the Inner, Middle and Outer Circles.  Choose items that are important to you and that others may not know.

77 The stories we tell ourselves Who we invite… How we help everyone contribute to the success of the club…

Northwestern Region “Not Ready for Prime-time Players”

Gertrude – oldest member; charter member; retired Donna – joined 2 years ago; 60 years old; loves LYDA Susan – joined 10 years ago; age 52; resume builder Amanda – joined 1 year ago, age 42; committee chair; loves DIBI Taylor – joined 6 months ago, age 27; Susan’s daughter; still trying to fit in The Cast

10 Sticks and stones

11 You do not act like most… I have said (blank before) and no one seemed to mind. It is the Soroptimist way… Having side conversations while someone is speaking It was only a joke… Only acknowledging certain people Leaving Soroptimists off of group s Interrupting What it sounds or looks like

12 Intent, Impact and Outcome  Think of a time/situation as a Soroptimist where your INTENT did NOT match the outcome and there was a negative impact on others.  Answer the questions on your worksheet  Be prepared to share your situation with a person at your table

13 Look in the mirror  What are you doing to create a club environment where everyone’s thoughts, ideas and opinions are valued?  You don’t have to use them all BUT everyone should believe they have the right to share!

Stephen Covey “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”