Diversity & Inclusion
Board-endorsed Initiative
The Board of Directors of the Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross recognizes the need to provide strong support and guidance for the Chapter in matters of diversity and inclusion. As such, the Board reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion within the Chapter and in its service delivery.
To value and encourage diversity is to respect and appreciate each individual’s unique talents and perspectives with regard, but not limited to: ethnicity, race, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, impairment, skin color, gender identity, family status or nationality. Inclusivity and diversity bring together all individuals to collectively meet and exceed the mission of the Red Cross on behalf of the communities we serve.
We seek the best from all who choose to join us as volunteers, employees, blood donors, or financial supporters. The Board fully endorses the Chapter’s diversity and inclusion initiative.
Philosophy 
We, the members of the Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross, believe that we must Serve, Respect, and Represent the entire community. We will continuously expand our sensitivity and capacity to embrace all individual differences within our community. We will embrace relationships and partner with all in our community such that we are viewed as responsive by our entire community.
Purpose
Through awareness and acceptance taught and encouraged at monthly meetings, we intend to show that the Washtenaw County American Red Cross Chapter truly is representative of and serves the entire Washtenaw County Community. We are truly one Red Cross. Members of the Washtenaw County American Red Cross have seen the need for diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace setting and have established an inclusiveness case statement.
Inclusiveness Case Statement (.doc file)
Diversity & Inclusion Plan
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee, at the request of the HR committee, has created a draft Diversity & Inclusion plan for the chapter. This plan outlines the significant components of an inclusive culture, as well as the steps we intend to take to create an even more diverse and inclusive atmosphere. 
Definitions and Key Concepts
Diversity embraces acceptance of all differences in people. It includes the varied perspectives and approaches to work and life brought by members of different identity groups. Examples of identity groups include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, national origin, native language, gender/sex, sexual orientation/preference, age, family status, socio-economic status, classism, educational background, profession, religious preference/spirituality, political affiliation, level of ability/disability, health status, employment status, dietary needs/preferences, etc. Individuals may belong to several identity groups.
Diversity describes one aspect of inclusiveness: the extent to which an organization has people from diverse backgrounds or communities involved as board members, staff, and/or volunteers.
Inclusive cultures and organizations are diverse. They welcome and treat all persons with dignity; capitalize on the wealth of viewpoints, experiences, and skills that reside in our multi-faceted community; value all contributions and maximize participation. They also intentionally incorporate the needs, assets, and perspectives of everyone into the design and implementation of universal and inclusive programs. Diversity is necessary, but not sufficient to achieve inclusiveness.
Members
The Diversity and Inclusion committee is open to all staff members, volunteers, and interns of the Washtenaw County American Red Cross. Attending a meeting results in automatically being a member of the committee.
Meetings and Events
The committee holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM.
Schedule of Meetings:
Thursday, June 3, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, July 1, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, August 5, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, September 2, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, October 7, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, November 4, 2010- 9:00 AM
Thursday, December 2, 2010- 9:00 AM
History and Background
The committee was created in June 2008 and has been meeting monthly ever since. The main goal was, and still is, to increase awareness of diversity and inclusion issues by all individuals in the Chapter and to help the Chapter be more representative of, and responsive to, all members of the community.
Since its creation in 2008, the Diversity & Inclusion committee has made several accomplishments. A formal diversity philosophy was established and is currently displayed at the front door of the Chapter building and included on business cards. An annual Diversity & Inclusion Award is given to a deserving recipient who meets the criteria. Likewise, discussion and consideration of diversity by leaders in the Chapter has increased and a focus on diversity in events such as potlucks and presentations is visible.
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