DTF Call July 30, 2008

INTRODUCTIONS:
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBRIEF
Betsy (Miami): Diversity Task Force moved forward exponentially in last month. Asked for update from board, no response yet (but Betsy lobbied him between FL lobby visits). Surprised that more folks didn't sign up. Kudos to Lorna for moderating. Impressed with diversity of Canadian attendees.
Monica (Durham NC): people want training materials and specific strategies when group doesn't represent.
Jesus (DC area): Task Force initially had broad focus, now streamlined to 4-5 initiatives and marshalled resources. NGO exhibit fair-- would benefit from more visual display materials for tabling at other org's conferences (MD reviewed what we have). thanks to Meredy for coordinating translators.
Meredith (DC): liked having tangible materials, looked coordinated and professional. Need to follow up with those who expressed interest, inc Ruth Birchett Diane (Cedar Rapids): very excited to be pilot city, she's adapting Faith in Action materials for Native American audiences. Need help with training materials: Hindu, Moslem, Catholic (in Spanish)-- so asking local contacts for help developing culturally/spiritually appropriate.
Sarah (DC): inspiring to see people in person, got excited about pilot project.

INCREASE VISIBILTY
web presence
- get diversity section of our website (link to info from homepage, About Us)
- then get "diversity" in Google Adwords

SURVEY OF RESULTS NETWORK
Combine with survey that marketing committee would roll out to our network?
- Jesus will follow up with Scott re: status (and incorp diversity into marketing) Draft series of questions (consult marketing survey of general population) to use for combined or separate survey
- send out within 2-3 months
- Monica will circulate draft questions for feedback.

LONG-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS AND BOARD RESPONSE Betsy will follow up with Douglas Lichterman
- board discussion for our 5 recs (notes pasted below)? If not, when?
- request: issue board statement demonstrating support
- also need Joanne statement

PILOT PROJECT
See above for Cedar Rapids
Chapel Hill group: group mtg Tue 8/5 and will adapt Cedar Rapids' plan


NEXT STEPS/CALL= Wed August 20 8:30-9:30 pm ET: (888) 955-5369; passcode: 197427

Looking ahead: 9/15-10/15 Hispanic Heritage month

BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS (MD notes from June):
1. Diversity/anti-oppression training-- 2-stage plan A. identify people from specific regions amongst our groups to be a part of a leadership ("SWAT") team for 2-day training B. they are then responsible for leading trainings in their own region including travel to local groups
** budget: $25,000 ($15,000 for travel/room/board for 15 participants + $5000 for trainer fees + $5000 for local travel). Note: does NOT include any staff time (though can use college interns for credit), limited funds for travel to local groups) 2. Diversity assessment of own organization (Meredy)
- for grassroots baseline: could roll into survey envisioned by marketing committee post-conference
- also identify baseline re: board, staff, etc.
- then identify next steps and make specific recommendations (Meredith: include goals)
** budget: $50,000 (guess, Sarah will research specific number) 3. Develop set of materials and best practices for our groups to use in their own outreach (Betsy)
- build on the work done by Betsy and others already to compile possible partners
- have specific staff time (or additional staff resources) devoted to managing this
** budget: TBD, must inc staff time, materials (Niambi will research) 4. As Marketing Committee moves forward, ultimately "re-brands" organization, make diversity issues a key component (Betsy)
- ex. on our website
** budget: none (absorbed by marketing) 5. Taking diversity to policy level in organization - institutionally support diversity through board policies (Sarah)
- then reflected in our work across organization
- QUESTION: what has the Board already adopted vis-à-vis diversity? If not, what are next steps to make this happen?
** budget: $1000 for legal review