How to Develop a Diversity Program

Learn about diversity in your organization before implementing a program.

Diversity programs are becoming necessary in workplaces, schools and community activities. To develop a diversity program, you must have an understanding of diversity and how it affects your organization. Once you understand diversity, you will be able to implement a program that helps others see how to interact in a diverse environment. Many activities are available to help others communicate and work together in an organization that is diverse.

Things You'll Need

• Training materials

Instructions

1. Make diversity part of your mission statement. When adding people to your organization, make sure they understand the importance of diversity. Give them training materials on socio-cultural and gender awareness.

2. Take a survey. Ask people in your organization questions about what they would want to learn in a diversity program. Maybe there are diversity problems in your organization of which you are unaware.

3. Conduct a forum. Allow people to voice their opinions on diversity. Have a speaker talk about diversity in different organizations. Ask people for ideas about implementing strategies for a more diverse environment.

4. Organize team-building activities. Establish each team and place people in roles that are new to them. Talk about how gender or culture played a part in the team-building exercises.

5. Give prizes. Offer rewards to the sections of your organization that most represent diversity. Give these away on a regular basis.

References

• Multicultural Advantage: Developing an Organization Change Plan in Diversity
• American Water Works Association: How to Establish and Operate a Diversity Program
• Cornell Univeristy: Diversity Plan

Resources

• Workforce Management: Keeping Your Diversity Program Legal