April 2008 -- I think the best way to start talking about diversity is to first define the word. We all have a general understanding of the word, but to have a working definition for discussion purposes is helpful.
From the University of California at Berkeley, here is what I have found to be one of the most quoted definitions of the word diversity:
Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong; but that are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification."
Diversity as a concept focuses on a broader set of qualities than race and gender. In the context of the workplace, valuing diversity means creating a workplace (in our case, association) that respects and includes differences, recognizing the unique contributions that individuals with many types of differences can make, and creating a work environment (association) that maximizes the potential of all members.
And, under the leadership of President Harry Gilbert, I am very proud to tell you that diversity is one of the major goals for our association. As a matter of fact, Harry is bringing in someone to speak with your Executive Committee, national board and national staff on the very subject of diversity at our April meeting. Hats off to Harry for recognizing the importance of addressing this topic during his term of office!
A number of prominent people throughout our country's history have spoken of the importance of diversity. Maya Angelou, the famous poet and lecturer, had a very profound quote regarding the subject: "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." Interesting, right?
So, if we can all agree on the definition, why would diversity be important to us personally and to our association?
Diversity is important, for obvious reasons, to prevent discrimination and promote inclusiveness. And, I know we all realize the importance of that basic premise.
In addition, there is evidence that it can improve our association's (and our individual) response to an increasingly diverse world of members/clients/customers; improve relations with the communities we work in; increase our association's (and our own) ability to cope with change; and, finally, to expand our personal creativity, and the creativity of the USPTA. Having a diverse membership, board and staff can increase productivity and enhance our ability to maneuver in an increasingly complex and diverse environment.
In a nutshell, I think Malcolm Stevenson Forbes said it very well: "Diversity: the art of thinking independently together."
I can also share this with you based on personal experience - being a woman in a male-dominated field, being on a board with six men. Please know, I appreciate the fact that we are a progressive association, with equal opportunity and an acceptance of the different roles different individuals play. We have an open mind to our differences and work for mutually beneficial goals for our members. With that being said, it is hard to fully know and understand a viewpoint unless you have lived that viewpoint. It is hard for an indoor professional to understand the outdoor professional world, or vice versa. It is hard for a resort professional to understand the differences for the year-round professional. But, if you have representation of all groups, you begin to have an understanding of the differences.
So, what am I asking from you with regard to this article? I am asking, if you know someone who you think could help to make a difference with diversity in our association, get them involved. We want to include them, we need to include them. It is in our best interest as an association to have many points of view. This is one of the ways we grow, individually and collectively. Send me an e-mail at paulas@bonitabaygroup.com with any ideas. Are you ready?
Let me close with this thought from Mark Twain: "It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races."
