Diversity: Finding Strength in Our Differences
April is Celebrate Diversity Month. Because we’re all different, there’s a good chance our perspectives on diversity vary. Similarly, individual perceptions may differ from that of our organization.
President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee affirms in her video our commitment to providing hope and healing to ALL.
As more cultures are represented among our patients and our workforce, creating an environment in which everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and valued is as important as ever.
Inclusive culture building starts with gaining a deeper understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion mean.
Celebrating Diversity
Since 2004, April has been designated as a time for people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ethnicities to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of each other.
That’s diversity. It’s an expansive concept of respect for gender, age, religion, cultural experiences, sexual orientation, race, language, education, ability and more.
Equity and equality, although they are often used interchangeably, mean different things and produce different results. When we treat everyone equally, we treat everyone the same, but when we treat everyone equitably, we focus on their individual needs.
Having a diverse workplace means we have a wide range of different characteristics and experiences among us. We recognize and embrace those differences and the way they enhance our relationships and work results. Equity requires us to acknowledge that because of those differences, people need support in different ways.
Inclusion takes it a step further to ensure that while differences exist, everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Diversity, equity and inclusion have been explained like this:
- Diversity asks who is in the room.
- Equity asks who is trying to get in the room but can't.
- Inclusion asks have everyone's ideas been heard.
The Heart of What We Do
April may be recognized as Celebrate Diversity Month, but embracing our diversity and the strength we share is connected to our values and should be at the heart of what we do every day.
Respecting those who may be different from us and seeking out opportunities to learn from each other helps us grow personally and as an organization.
"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." ~ Maya Angelou
"Diversity: the art of thinking independently together." ~ Malcolm Forbes
President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee offered these tips in her video on how we can continue to build a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and valued.
- Make an effort to get to know those whose backgrounds may differ from yours.
- Approach them with a sense of Curiosity.
- Listen with a genuine desire to understand and accept.
- And when it comes to expressing your own views — in person or online — be sensitive to the views of others.
"It all starts with a conversation," said Dr. Nathaniel L. (NL) Bishop, our Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. "We need to feel comfortable to respectfully approach others with a sense of curiosity and empathy. Think about what it might feel like to have walked in their shoes, had their experiences and do their work daily. And then continue to have those conversations. That's how we'll grow and truly find our strength in our differences."
