Defining Diversity

Diversity is more than race and gender. If you look the meaning up in the dictionary, diversity means multiformity, differences and variety. The term diversity refers to the full range of differences in which people differ from one another. These differences include race, gender, geographic origin, lifestyle, age, sexual orientation, physical and personality traits, and functional and educational backgrounds, etc. We can take diversity another step and further define it to include work experience, work style, religion, organizational role and level, first language, education, family structure, communication/ management style, and others. However, simply defined, diversity means differences and variety. Next, it is important to define the Dulles SHRM's mission regarding diversity.

Diversity Mission Statement

At Dulles SHRM, diversity represents a message of inclusion and respect for all members and communities in which we do business. Dulles SHRM's Diversity Mission is to create a leadership and organizational culture, and networking environment that recognizes and leverages the unique characteristics, talents, and contributions of it's members, through discussion groups, providing an HR community, and the National SHRM Initiative, which provides its members with diversity-related research materials, workplace-applicable tools, publications, professional development opportunities and linkages with key organizations.

Community Services/Social Responsibilities

There are ways you can make a world of difference in your own backyard. The following link has over 30 non-profit agencies serving the Northern Virginia area. www.inyourbackyard.org. For additional links Click Here.

We have heard your requests. Dulles SHRM will be inviting representatives from community service agencies to attend our monthly meetings. This will be a great opportunity for you to receive valuable information on how you and your company can become involved and give back to the community. If you have an organization you would like to have invited, please contact Evelyn Kaiser.