Memorandum to the RESULTS Board

TO: RESULTS/RESULTS EDUCATIONAL FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM: RESULTS DIVERSITY TASK FORCE

DATE: July 10, 2008

SUBJECT : Diversity Task Force Activities Update

As part of its efforts to expand its membership to better reflect the populations it is serving, RESULTS instituted a diversity initiative last year to increase the representation of people of color and low-income population within the RESULTS Board, staff, and volunteer base. In order to fulfill its principal mission to end hunger and the worst aspects of poverty both within the U.S. and internationally, a RESULTS Diversity Task Force was created to conduct diversity outreach through the use of cross-cultural programming, and review of current best practices, organizational skills, human resources, and technology. The Diversity Task Force is committed to building a diverse and inclusive RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund movement and better integrating anti-oppression practices throughout the organization.
The Diversity Task Force intends to work towards achieving these goals by engaging in of the following short- and long-term activities:

§ Enhance the visibility of our diversity outreach efforts at the upcoming RESULTS International Conference (July 12-16, 2008). In addition to exhibiting materials and manning a table during the event, the Diversity Task Force has organized a Diversity Outreach Skills Workshop/Panel Discussion that will include racially-, ethnically-, and generationally-diverse panel members. Members of the Task Force will present during Leadership Day to introduce the mission and concepts of this diversity focus at RESULTS, and will work during other times of the conference to bring these issues to the forefront.
§ Engage in a Pilot Cities Project. Two cities (Cedar Rapids, IA, and Chapel Hill, NC) have been chosen as pilot areas to test diversity outreach strategies, using culturally appropriate materials for presentation and training. The Diversity Task Force will then review what worked in these representative cities as work in this phase is completed during the coming months and will adopt and promote these lessons as Best Practices.
§ Continue to form partnerships with other targeted organizations. In order to better tailor RESULTS' message and mission to targeted populations, the Diversity Task Force will continue to seek partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Council of La Raza, black fraternities/sororities, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and others in order to leverage their expertise and knowledge in reaching these populations. This information will prove crucial to future efforts to re-shape RESULTS' marketing approach to place greater emphasis on the diversity component of the various issues it promotes.
§ Conduct diversity/anti-oppression trainings. The Diversity Task Force will continue its grassroots approach by identifying people from specific geographic regions among existing RESULTS groups to be a part of a our task force. In addition, we suggest to the board that we create a leadership team for a two-day training session. The leadership team will then spearhead similar training sessions in their own regions and local groups. The estimated budget for this project is: $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.
§ Undertake an organization-wide diversity assessment. The Diversity Task Force will continue to analyze its own organization through the use of a grassroots baseline assessment that will be done through the Marketing Committee’s survey. The baseline assessment will include RESULTS/REF Board and staff members. From this assessment, the next steps will be identified and specific recommendations will be made, including quantifiable goals and milestones, where applicable.
§ Elevate diversity issues to a higher policy level within the organization. In addition to its grassroots efforts, RESULTS must support diversity issues institutionally at all levels through its Board policies. The RESULTS Diversity Task Force will research what policies the Board has already adopted to ensure a diversity emphasis is reflected across the organization. If necessary, a small amount of funds should be budgeted for legal review of any board by-law changes.
The RESULTS Diversity Task Force believes that these various actions will help strengthen RESULTS’ mission and goals by diversifying our message and membership as we continue to address issues of hunger and poverty domestically and around the world.

ACTIONS REQUESTED: We ask the board to formally endorse the mission statement of the Diversity Task Force and do so publicly (i.e. mention it when speaking on behalf of the RESULTS/REF Board), include language regarding RESULTS’ support of diversity in the board’s by-laws and other official documents and prioritize this area of work in our development needs.

We appreciate the RESULTS Board's support. Should the Board have any questions or comments regarding the proposed activities, please contact Meredith Dodson (staff: mdodson@results.org) or Betsy Suero Skipp (RESULTS Miami: miaresults@yahoo.com) for further information.