Diversity

Including a broad community representation in your organization's activities and decision-making processes contributes to its success. It is your board's responsibility to ensure that opportunities for such participation are made available and accessible to:

• Service users
• Families of service users
• Volunteers
• People of diverse backgrounds (race, ethnicity, ability, age, etc.)
• Any of the organization's other stakeholders.

There are many good reasons for involving a diversity of perspectives (including clients' viewpoints) on your board and in your organization generally:

• To ensure that the views and values of the people utilizing the services are reflected in the plans and decisions that will affect them
• To bring connections, knowledge and awareness related to the groups being served
• To add depth and variety to the pool of skills, qualities, ideas and innovative approaches available to your organization
• To reach out to communities who may benefit from your services, but who currently do not utilize your programs
• To help build leadership, empowerment, involvement, commitment and a sense of community among those whom your organization serves and among people of diverse backgrounds.

How can your board effectively address diversity issues? Here are a few ideas for creating an inclusive organization.

In undertaking diversity initiatives, it is important to avoid "tokenism". People should be recruited to the board and other positions not just for their specific perspectives, but also for other strengths they can contribute.

There is no one prescription for addressing diversity issues that is appropriate for all organizations. Each organization will have unique needs and solutions related to diversity. Regardless of your organization's particular situation, it is important for your board to examine ways in which diversity may be important to achieving its mission.

To confirm your understanding of your board's responsibilities in this area, have a look at some succession and diversity dilemmas.

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