Diversity Toolbox
APWA Chapter Diversity “Tool Box”
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.
Appointed by the APWA president and comprised of members of the association, the Diversity Committee advances diversity issues throughout the association, placing value on all individuals and the different perspectives of those individuals; and promoting the process for all to feel included as part of the whole. Diversity includes race, gender, creed, age, life-style, national origin, disability, personality, educational background, and income level.
This Diversity Toolbox will help you support diversity programs at the chapter level. Please review the following information for ideas on how to expand or begin to support diversity within your chapter.
Diversity Resource Guides:
Diversity Brochures
Progressive Women in Public Works
Reporter Articles
Bridges Online: The Newsletter for Chapter Leaders
Get started now! Here are some ways that you can start your chapter's Diversity Program:
Diversity issues vary among all chapters, but some exist everywhere. Diversity should be discussed, not ignored, if we hope to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace.
Please share your diversity practices and successes with the APWA Diversity Committee so others may learn from your experience. The APWA Diversity Committee staff liaison is Cindy Long clong@apwa.net or toll-free (800) 848-APWA (2792) ext. 5220.
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.
Appointed by the APWA president and comprised of members of the association, the Diversity Committee advances diversity issues throughout the association, placing value on all individuals and the different perspectives of those individuals; and promoting the process for all to feel included as part of the whole. Diversity includes race, gender, creed, age, life-style, national origin, disability, personality, educational background, and income level.
This Diversity Toolbox will help you support diversity programs at the chapter level. Please review the following information for ideas on how to expand or begin to support diversity within your chapter.
Diversity Resource Guides:
- Diversity PowerPoint PPT(Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity, North Carolina Chapter Conference, June 18, 2009-please allow a few seconds for PPT to open)
-
APWA Diversity Resource Guide Volume II, August 2003 PDF. You'll learn about:
- Gender Gap in Engineering/Public Works
- Wage Gap by Gender and Race
- Differences in Gender Communication
- Diversity of APWA Members
- Cultural Etiquette and Customs
- disABILITY Information and Considerations
- Obesity Discrimination
- Understanding Basic Beliefs of Major Religions
- Chapter Newsletter Diversity Quotes
- Volunteer Motivations by Generation
- Triumphs
- Basic Core Competencies for Public Works Directors
- APWA Standards of Professional Conduct
-
APWA Diversity Resource Guide Volume I, May 2001 PDF. You'll learn about:
- Why Diversity is Important
- Global Understanding
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- New Member Welcome/Orientation
- Chapter Program Ideas
- Newsletter Articles & Quotes
- Exercises
- Multi-Cross Generational Statistics & Information
- Religious Days of Major Religions
- Triumphs
Diversity Brochures
- Diversity & You "A Guide for Chapter Diversity Liaisons" PDF
- Top Ten Ways to Increase Diversity of Membership and Leadership at the APWA Chapter Level PDF
- Top Ten Ways to Increase Diversity of Membership and Leadership at the APWA National Level PDF
Progressive Women in Public Works
- Progressive Women in Public Works Essays CD (Link to 50 women in public works essays) PDF
- "Recognizing the benefits of women in public works" - Reporter Article, 3/06
- Women in Public Works 2006 Survey LINK
- Breakfast of Champions PDF]
- "A Woman's Place is... Wherever she Wants to Be" Reporter Article, 12/05
- "Women Face Unique Retirement Challenges" PDF
Bridging the Generations
- Tip Sheet for Reaching Out to the Retiring/Retiree Generation PDF
- Learning Objectives (Diversity Thinking) by Gary Batis PowerPoint
- Productivity Through Generational Diversity (2009 Congress) PDF
Reporter Articles
- Reporter articles focusing on diversity (2003 to Present) LINK
Bridges Online: The Newsletter for Chapter Leaders
- Bridges articles (2002 to Present) LINK (Login Required)
Get started now! Here are some ways that you can start your chapter's Diversity Program:
- Reprint articles in chapter newsletters (Northern California Chapter includes excerpts from APWA Chapter Diversity Resource Guide II, 2003 in their chapter newsletter (PDF))
-
Ask a chapter member to write an article for your chapter newsletter. Here is an example from the Hawaii Chapter: (PDF). Other topics that could be explored are:
- Reflections on a retiring Baby Boomer
- Advice from a member who is retiring to a young professional coming up in the profession
- Ask young professionals to interview members who are retiring on the changes they have seen in the workplace over their career and have the young professionals provide their own perspective of changes they anticipate over their career span
- Establish and implement tips for welcoming new members
- Welcome new members at chapter meetings through a Welcoming Committee or a First Timer’s Meeting.
- Put a link from this Diversity Toolbox on your chapter website
- Use “inclusiveness quotes” as filler in your chapter newsletters
- Utilize retired members through mentoring of younger members. Keep retired members involved in committee work and ask them to promote APWA membership to local agencies in your area
- Include a speaker/topic about diversity at your next chapter conference
- Establish a Diversity Chapter Award(s)
- Establish a Chapter Diversity Committee
Diversity issues vary among all chapters, but some exist everywhere. Diversity should be discussed, not ignored, if we hope to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace.
Please share your diversity practices and successes with the APWA Diversity Committee so others may learn from your experience. The APWA Diversity Committee staff liaison is Cindy Long clong@apwa.net or toll-free (800) 848-APWA (2792) ext. 5220.