 | | | | The push to recognize Celebrate Diversity Month is an effort by ProGroup with the help of other leaders in the diversity field. Read the bios of Karen Stinson and Myrna Marofsky.
In this Q&A, the co-owners of ProGroup, Karen Stinson and Myrna Marofsky, talk about their plans for CDM in workplaces, schools and communities.
How do you see Celebrate Diversity Month evolving?
Overall, we see this month as developing grassroots style—built from the ground up by individuals in organizations who believe there is great value in celebrating ALL of our diversity. As word spreads, more people visit the site, and more organizations observe it, we will be working with the politicians in Washington to have the month officially declared.
How will you promote it?
Celebrate Diversity Month has already been incorporated into ProGroup's Honoring Differences Diversity Calendar. Our diversity calendar has become a staple in thousands of organizations nationwide.
We are also posting on the site ideas from others on how they plan to celebrate the month as well as offering our own group activities that we've developed over the years helping bring people together to engage in meaningful dialogues across differences.
We'll also be sending out on-going e-mail updates for those who provide us with their contact information through the website as well as alerting individuals and organizations in the diversity community that we've worked with over the last two decades.
How did you come up with the idea for Celebrate Diversity Month?
As background, we've been in the diversity consulting and training business for nearly 20 years through ProGroup Inc., a company that Karen founded in 1986. So, we live and breathe diversity every day, and the opportunities and challenges facing individuals and organizations.
We often hear from people that "diversity doesn't apply to me." For example, African American History Month doesn't include many of the non-African Americans in our workplaces, schools and communities. Significant variations exist within all groups and cultures. While there are many admirable diversity observances related to specific groups that spotlight forgotten histories and rich cultures, until now, no specific time has been designated to celebrate ALL the diversity.
Often in looking at diversity, we focus on what separates us. We see CDM as a way of opening dialogue on both our differences and similarities—particularly in this turbulent day and age where the media headlines tend to focus on our differences and what separates us. What about what unites us? What are our common bonds? Only when we concentrate on strengthening that which connects us despite our differences, will we really understand and appreciate each other.
Are you planning a kick-off event?
We've played around with the idea of partnering with a few major organizations and doing some kind of springboard event. Once the advisory board is in place, we will be exploring the option more. Stay tuned! |
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