Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

You may have heard the phrase, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), in the news, on social media, or in conversations with friends or colleagues. Have you ever wondered what that term meant? Do you wonder why it is a larger conversation now than it’s ever been before?

According to MIT, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are defined as follows: • Diversity—the sum of social, cultural, and identity-based human attributes represented within a group. • Equity—access to opportunity and advancement for all members of a group. These environments are free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. • Inclusion—the act of creating environments in which all members of a group are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

Racial injustice and inequality have become a much wider story over the last several years, shedding a renewed light on the need for DEI in our workplaces and communities. For these programs to succeed, it is important everyone understands the benefits that come from differing views and perspectives, as well as the advantages that come when everyone feels included, heard, understood, and valued.

The Foundation for Community Association Research set out in late 2020 to investigate the extent of discrimination claims in community associations, test a hypothesis that communities with robust communications and active social events calendars would have fewer problems, and create a baseline from which diversity, discrimination, and communications in our communities could be measured. Nearly 700 community association managers and more than 300 community association residents were surveyed separately and asked about attitudes, practices, and experiences with regard to diversity and discrimination issues, how any issues have been resolved, and recommended practices for reducing issues in community associations.* They created this report: Creating Harmony in Diverse Communities

In 2021, Community Associations Institute made a pledge to include DEI in all aspects of their business, as stated on their website: https://www.caionline.org/AboutCAI/Pages/DEI-Statement.aspx

ADOPTED BY CAI BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 18, 2021

Community Associations Institute is committed to making diversity, equity, and inclusion a core aspect in our membership, on our staffs, and within the community association housing model at large. We firmly believe in the unique strengths of every individual and that diversity makes organizations more successful and communities more fulfilling. By actively cultivating diversity, we benefit from a vastly richer mix of ideas, perspectives, and life experiences that expand our thinking and our possibilities. We strive to foster a culture of discovery, innovation, and service as we continue to focus on our mission to build better communities.

Beginning in our next issue of The Beacon, we will be dedicating a page to DEI, including but not limited to facts, links, and articles of value, which should help in understanding diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

Written by Dani Bressler, CAS, EBP, Toepfer Construction Co., Inc dbressler@toepferco.com & Elisabeth Kirk, TRC Engineering, EBP ekirk@trc-engineering.com