Creating Solutions by Embracing DiversityNorth Carolina Chapter Conference

June 18, 2009

Diane Linderman, PEVanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.At-Large Director, Leadership and Management

“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.”

Diversity is neither affirmative action nor an

equal opportunity program.

Differences in people can be an asset or liability in APWA or the workplace depending

on how we accept those differences.

History of Diversity in APWA

Board adopted the policy in 1995Created committee to foster the idea of Diversity among membersDeveloped resource guides: Volume I and IIWrote articles for Reporter and Bridges

Programs at congressDiversity awareness to chapters through liaison

Diversity Committee TodayChaired by Jennifer Adams, DPW Tempe, AZ

Chapter outreachMember educationWomen in public worksYounger membersGenerational differencesDiversity Exemplary Practices Award

Progressive Women in Public Works

Breakfast at congressWomen’s essaysReception at congress

InfoNowSurveys

Women in Public Works Survey

Follow up to 2006 survey2948 survey requests 936 responsesMen not included

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%

Key Findings, cont.

Ethnic diversity ongoing challenge

Only 42.9% involved in Chapter

13.7% have mentor, 71.9% of which are

male

What education do women want?

Management techniques specific for women Conflict managementEducational opportunitiesWorking with/managing your bossMaking the most out of networkingInteresting facts/anecdotes/humorWorking with/managing people older than you

What education do women want?

They’re not ready for “your” type of leadership (female leadership)

Performance evaluationsManaging technical people without a technical background

Mentoring

Working with men

Differences of Opinion

Don’t over-segregate women’s issuesKeep doing what you are doingContinue to advocate for female public works employees

Generational Activities

Subcommittee Focus Its mission is to recruit, develop, connect, empower andretain young professionals in APWA through increasedopportunities and resources to enhance their professionaldevelopment and success within the Association and thepublic works industry.

Sessions at CongressYounger Member Reception at Congress

Fun Activity

Five attributes about:• your colleague• yourself

Personal Attributes

Diversity recognizes

CreedLifestyleNational originDisabilityPersonalityEducational background

Processing styleThinking styleEnergy levelAssertiveness levelValues

Diversity recognizesPolitical viewsMarital statusGoals and ambitionsLikes and dislikesSocial statusIncome levelTenure within an organization

Level of position within an organizationGeographic originManagement versus unionRural versus urban

“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

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

Attributed the value they perceived to the quality of the performance

What can your chapter do to embrace diversity?

You can…

appoint a diversity chair

create a diversitycommittee

Embrace New MembersWelcome new members (please stand!)Recognize new members at meetingsCall them and invite them to next meetingForm a welcoming committeeAssign greetersSpecial stickersFollow up

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

Integrate facets of diversity into chapter activities

Chapter Programs

Seek out speakers from diverse backgrounds

Doesn’t always have to be DPW directorAlways remind speakers the need to be sensitive to diversityWhat is humorous to you may not be to others

Hold panel discussions on diversity Hold younger member activities

Chapter ProgramsMentor programs

Student programs at universitiesStudent programs at elementary and middle schoolsChapter members

Awards for members

Use the Diversity Resource Guides

Why Embrace Diversity?“There wouldn’t be a sky full of starsif we were all meant to wish on the same one.”

~Frances Clark

Why Embrace DiversityIncreases creativity Increases productivityIncreases camaraderieIncreases the best and brightest employee poolIncreases communicationReduces conflictPromotes inclusionPromotes synergy

Why Embrace Diversity?Everyone brings unique perspectives

We are diverse

It is a reason to celebrate

Diane Linderman, PEVanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.At-Large Director, Leadership and Management804.343.7100 x6051d.linderman@vhb.com