Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity North Carolina Chapter Conference June 18, 2009

1. Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity North Carolina Chapter Conference June 18, 2009 Diane Linderman, PE Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. At-Large Director, Leadership and Management

2. “The American Public Works Association recognizes, appreciates and fosters the synergy which is created when the work environment values the differences in individuals and practices inclusiveness and open communication.”

3. Diversity is neither affirmative action nor an equal opportunity program.

4. It’s about inclusiveness

5. Differences in people can be an asset or liability in APWA or the workplace depending on how we accept those differences.

6. History of Diversity in APWA • Board adopted the policy in 1995 • Created committee to foster the idea of Diversity among members • Developed resource guides: Volume I and II • Wrote articles for Reporter and Bridges • Programs at congress • Diversity awareness to chapters through liaison

7. Diversity Committee TodayChaired by Jennifer Adams, DPW Tempe, AZ • Chapter outreach • Member education • Women in public works • Younger members • Generational differences • Diversity Exemplary Practices Award

8. Progressive Women in Public Works • Breakfast at congress • Women’s essays • Reception at congress • InfoNow • Surveys

9. Women in Public Works Survey • Follow up to 2006 survey • 2948 survey requests • 936 responses • Men not included

10. Key Findings • 58.5% believe glass ceiling exists due to: • Lack of promotional opportunities 57.7% • Inequity in pay 47% • The department is not ready for that type of move 34.6% • Discrimination 37.2%

11. Key Findings, cont. • Ethnic diversity ongoing challenge • Only 42.9% involved in Chapter • 13.7% have mentor, 71.9% of which are male

12. What education do women want? • Management techniques specific for women • Conflict management • Educational opportunities • Working with/managing your boss • Making the most out of networking • Interesting facts/anecdotes/humor • Working with/managing people older than you

13. What education do women want? • They’re not ready for “your” type of leadership (female leadership) • Performance evaluations • Managing technical people without a technical background • Mentoring • Working with men

14. Differences of Opinion • Don’t over-segregate women’s issues • Keep doing what you are doing • Continue to advocate for female public works employees

15. Generational Activities • Subcommittee Focus Its mission is to recruit, develop, connect, empower and retain young professionals in APWA through increased opportunities and resources to enhance their professional development and success within the Association and the public works industry. • Sessions at Congress • Younger Member Reception at Congress

16. Fun Activity Five attributes about: • your colleague • yourself

17. Personal Attributes Hair Height Age Race Gender

18. Diversity recognizes • Creed • Lifestyle • National origin • Disability • Personality • Educational background • Processing style • Thinking style • Energy level • Assertiveness level • Values

19. Diversity recognizes • Political views • Marital status • Goals and ambitions • Likes and dislikes • Social status • Income level • Tenure within an organization • Level of position within an organization • Geographic origin • Management versus union • Rural versus urban

20. “How do we create a harmonious society out of so many kinds of people? The key is tolerance – the one value that is indispensable in creating community.” ~Barbara Jordan

21. Value Attribution Our tendency to imbue someone or something with certain qualities based on a perceived value rather than objective data Sway – The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman

22. Attributed the value they perceived to the quality of the performance

23. What can your chapter do to embrace diversity?

24. You can… appoint a diversity chair create a diversity committee

25. Embrace New Members • Welcome new members (please stand!) • Recognize new members at meetings • Call them and invite them to next meeting • Form a welcoming committee • Assign greeters • Special stickers • Follow up

26. Embrace New Members • First Timers’ Meeting/New Member Orientation  • Determine leadership interests – get them involved immediately! • Exchange business cards • Contact your Membership Chair - call 5 new members • List new members in newsletter and website • Open communication

28. Integrate facets of diversity into chapter activities

29. Chapter Programs • Seek out speakers from diverse backgrounds • Doesn’t always have to be DPW director • Always remind speakers the need to be sensitive to diversity • What is humorous to you may not be to others • Hold panel discussions on diversity • Hold younger member activities

30. Chapter Programs • Mentor programs • Student programs at universities • Student programs at elementary and middle schools • Chapter members • Awards for members

31. Use the Diversity Resource Guides

32. Why Embrace Diversity? “There wouldn’t be a sky full of stars if we were all meant to wish on the same one.” ~Frances Clark

33. Why Embrace Diversity • Increases creativity • Increases productivity • Increases camaraderie • Increases the best and brightest employee pool • Increases communication • Reduces conflict • Promotes inclusion • Promotes synergy

34. Why Embrace Diversity? • Everyone brings unique perspectives • We are diverse • It is a reason to celebrate 1+1=3

35. Diane Linderman, PE Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. At-Large Director, Leadership and Management804.343.7100 x6051 d.linderman@vhb.com