Blog Post: Diversity - what does it mean to you?

I recently joined a Diversity Committee of an HR Association. One of the first items we did was to review the definition of diversity and what it means to the association. We are distributing this information to the membership for feedback and input regarding their agreement with our definition. Because I believe before we begin to define our Diversity initiatives and diversity programs, we first all have to be on the same page as to what Diversity is. I attend many professional association luncheons and presentations on various subjects - one that is consistently on the list is diversity. I have realized that some of the challenges with tackling diversity is that we are not all on the same page to begin with! Does diversity include gender, age, religion, background, socioeconomic level? Does it include "tolerance" or "understanding" or "inclusion" of differences? Does it mean we are all similar and should just get along? What does diversity mean to you and your organization? And how does that definition come alive in your workplace? Is it just a statement or are the words put into actions?