Diversity & Sensitivity

1. Diversity & Sensitivity 2014

2. Culture • Culture goes beyond the surface of what we see and can include more than just race and ethnicity. However, individuals who appear to look alike may not necessarily be alike at all. The following is a list of cultural components that may set you and others apart: • Race and ethnicity • Language and communication styles • Family relationships • Gender and sexual identity • Sexual orientation • Religion and spirituality • Class and socio-economic status • Health beliefs • Levels of acculturation • Immigration status • Perception of political power • Impact of racism and history of oppression

3. Diversity Organizational Diversity

4. What is Organizational Diversity? • Organizational diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. • Diversity encompasses race, skin color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic heritage, nationality, regional origins, citizenship, age, generation, mental abilities, physical abilities, weight/size, education, socioeconomic status, family status, religion, background, political persuasion, and more. • Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others. • Those perceptions affect their interactions.

5. Diversity • If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all! • Encourage others to express their ideas and opinions and attribute a sense of equal value to all • Treat others as you wish to be treated • Imagine what it is like to be in the other person’s shoes • Never make assumptions about others • Remember, people are not representatives of their group • Give everyone a fair shake. Don’t decide how you feel about someone until you have given them an honest chance • Be aware of and try to correct personal biases • Deal with conflicts right away instead of carrying grudges • Recognize each person as an individual with something important to offer the organization • Look for similarities, instead of only seeing differences • Avoid talk of politics, religion or “hot-button” issues at conferences & conventions

6. “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” ~Unknown Diversity

7. Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment

8. Sexual Harassment • The Department of Virginia DAV strives to provide an environment that is free of discrimination, unlawful harassment, intimidation, exploitation and negativity. • All members of the DAV, DAVA, NOTR and other auxiliary units are expected to treat one another with respect • All harassment issues will be taken seriously and investigated promptly by the Department • Harassment cases will be kept confidential. You are advised not to discuss any incidents with anyone except the Department officer investigating the incident. This is to protect your privacy • Actions, jokes, words, or comments based on an individual’s sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, nationality, citizenship, ability status, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated • The victim does not have to be the person directly harassed but can be anyone who finds the behavior offensive and is affected by it • If you see it happening to a Comrade – report it!

9. Sexual Harassment What is the legal definition? • It is a form of discrimination in the United States that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 • It includes a range of behavior from seemingly mild transgressions and annoyances to actual stalking, sexual abuse or sexual assault • It is a form of abuse (sexual and psychological) and bullying • Sexual harassment occurs when one person makes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors, and other visual or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, to another person, against his/her wishes • It ... “Explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's work, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.“-U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

10. Sexual Harassment • Please bring any incidents of this nature to a Department official immediately • If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the harasser that their behavior is wrong and they must stop it right away, in front of a witness, or write a letter (keep a copy). • If you are not comfortable doing this, do not worry. Be sure to report the problem to a Department official ASAP and this will be handled for you. • Individuals found to be harassing others will be subject to punishment in accordance with the Constitution & Bylaws • No one reporting sexual harassment in good faith will ever be penalized. • Anyone reporting harassment will be protected from retaliation by the Department of Virginia • Anyone who knowingly makes a false report of harassment will be disciplined according to the Constitution & Bylaws. What You Need To Know It is never the victim’s fault that they are being harassed. The blame lies with the unhealthy person who is disrespecting/ harming the victim.

11. If you have any questions or comments about this presentation, please contact the Department Office or any Department Line Officer

12. Department of Virginia P.O. Box 7176 Roanoke, VA 24019 Toll free: 866-706-5889