The Value of Understanding Diversity In Diversity There’s Strength Steve Elwart 2007 Course Directors Development Conference

Diversity is more than just being different

Diversity is more than just being different it is the understanding that each one of us is unique and valuable

Diversity is understanding what makes us different and the values that those differences can bring.

Diversity, and with that understanding, we are stronger for it.

What is Diversity? Diversity embraces the qualities of other people that are different from our own.

Understanding that Diversity is:  Human diversity  Cultural diversity  Organizational diversity  Human diversity  Cultural diversity  Organizational diversity

So…. How do we make this presentation relevant?

We can apply the 5 rules of.. WHO is our target audience? WHAT do we present? WHEN do we apply it? WHERE do you find participants/staff? HOW do you ensure that message has been receive?

Who….. Look at the demographics of your council base. National ethnic makeup < age 18

What….. Look beyond differences using those differences to enhance the similarities.

When….. The time is now. In all that we drive, use diversity to make us stronger.

Where….. As you devise your action plan (ticket), take into account where the great impact for you and those you influence can help lead change. White African-American Hispanic/Latino Asian-American (49%) (15%) (24%) (12%)

How Does Diversity Make Us Stronger?  Full Utilization  Stronger Together  Opens New Ways of Thinking  Come Inspirations, Fresh Ideas, and New Solutions

How Can We Use Diversity?  Aggressively recruit  Identify and challenge  Encourage all to contribute  Serve as visible role models

VISION A VISION IS PICTURE OF FUTURE SUCCESS (Articulates the goal you want to achieve) A VISION IS PICTURE OF FUTURE SUCCESS (Articulates the goal you want to achieve)

MISSION AMISSION IS FORMED OF THE STEPS THAT LEAD TO THE REALIZATION OF A VISION (The means of reaching that goal) AMISSION IS FORMED OF THE STEPS THAT LEAD TO THE REALIZATION OF A VISION (The means of reaching that goal)

Diversity and Staff Three steps must be completed before contacting any potential staff members: “To ensure diversity and balance, a staff roster must be reviewed and approved by the BSA regional office.” – WB Admin Guide In Southern Region, this is the Area Coordinator

Diversity’s Impact on courses  Scout’s Own –What better way to show value than to respect the faith of others?  Staffing –Diversity makes a high-performing team better  Participants –Bring different views and values to enrich all  Ticket item –Actions speak louder than words

Diversity and Tickets  One of five goals: –Promote diversity in units, districts, council –Encourage more diverse membership –Help young people better understand  Participants initiate  Not necessarily ethnicity  Sample ticket items

Diversity D -- Different is OK I -- Inside, we each possess skills, talents unseen V – Value provided to the organization/group E – Every person has something to offer R – Recognize talents/abilities of others, use them S – Sharing the strengths of the group for success I – Individually we’re not as strong (or smart) as all T – Tolerance of things that seem different critical Y – You, the leader, play a key part.

Summary High Performance teams are stronger when they have and utilize diverse membership.

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The Value of Understanding Diversity In Diversity There’s Strength Steve Elwart 2007 Course Directors Development Conference