Wrap Up: Making Diversity Work

Above all, as you strive to attract, maintain and engage new employees, suppliers, members and board members, take particular notice as you develop and integrate values that are central to every organization's success in pursuing a more diverse community. These are:

• Communicate together and with people of all cultures respectfully and fairly.
• Be mindful of diversity and reduce the paralyzing and negative consequences of over-reliance on "political correctness" guidelines.
• Never minimize your standards — a quality membership is a diverse and inclusive membership.
• Recall what diversity actually means. Do not endorse one group at another's detriment. The purpose of your activities is to create an association hospitable to all stakeholders and equally represents the business and local demographics.