Diversity Task Force call 2/11/09

INTRODUCTIONS (and possible dialogue questions: focus on "what if?" and keep it simple= one question)
Meredith (DC): How to better coordinate/synthesize/combine the work of the Faith in Action, Youth in Action and Diversity Task Forces? --> What does it mean to allign FIA/YIA/DTF?
Betsy (Miami): also likes What does it mean to allign FIA/YIA/DTF?
Sarah (DC): What would our org look like if we achieve our DTF mission? If achieve what wanted, what would that be/look like? --> What would our org look like if our Diversity Task Force were successful?
Betsy: What does it mean to have success within the Diversity Task Force? (could also tackle re: diversity?)
Monica (Triangle NC): How do we frame the Diversity Task Force message through other RESULTS groups and the organization? --> What is the Diversity Task Force message? How do we frame the RESULTS Diversity Task Force message to other RESULTS groups/advocates?
Lorna: organization development consultant, uses Dialogue process since 1997. Background working on diversity issues.
Pam (DC): catching up, no questions
Jesus (NoVA): What is the Diversity Task Force message?

DIALOGUE: Quick overview
Please see Lorna's handout and ppt
Sacred ground
We'll become more skilled over time.
Betsy: interest in training RES body in Dialogue process
Lorna: evaluate 1st, put on agenda for future DTF call

DIALOGUE: What is the Diversity Task Force message?
(MD not taking detailed notes, but a few things that came up...)
Mission of DTF as laid out to the board: Due to our firm belief in the value of diversity, this task force is committed to increasing the representation of people of color and low-income populations within the RESULTS Board, staff, and volunteer base. In order to fulfill our larger mission to end poverty, the Diversity Task Force is dedicated to conducting diversity outreach through cross-cultural programming and sharing best practices, organizational skills, human resources, and technology.
Has this mission evolved?
Gap between our mission and work
Need to understand what we mean by diversity, broader definition
Is diversity part of the larger org plan?
Use of "increase"= metric, could be broader, social change is about changing the way people think. ex. more registered votes does not equal ending racism.
Can be inclusive and targeted.
Need to go back to drawing board to get clarity.
Be clear about what we are trying to do.
Focusing on numbers means that lost opportunity for dialogue.
May need to create culture that values diversity before tackling metrics.
- within org, outside org, DTF
... conversation to be continued.

NEXT STEPS:
Evaluations-- send MD by end of weekend.
Board involvement update.
Schedule next call: Monday 3/9, 7-8 pm ET: (888) 955-5369; passcode: 197427. Start with check-in of pilot project, 30 min for dialogue.

Lorna's email to follow up from Saturday's session:

To all,

It was fun doing this with you as a pilot. And I think there must already be a great deal of trust in the group for the degree of flow created.

Bravo to all of you! You made facilitating this so easy!


Please find attached three docs...

Another 2 page doc on the practices (also called exploratory listening) for you to print out and have handy.

Some of the questions to explore using Dialogue that emerged for me out of our last Dialogue that can be added to others you may have

And an evaluation of the experience to be sent to Meredith...who can forward them to me without names. I will get back to you with a summary for the group.

I am driving down to DC on Wednesday and hope to be available for the conference call unless something delays me. If that should happen please go ahead with a dialogue. I have every confidence in you and in Meredith in facilitating the process.

Bestsy, thank you for your kind words.

Best wishes,

Lorna