By Jeff Peterson, Director, Sourcing & Vendor Management Office
Here
at CUNA Mutual Group, we have made a commitment to build a more diverse,
inclusive organization. It’s a fantastic initiative; but, in practice, it takes
a lot more than just ideas. We need to understand why diversity and
inclusion (D&I) is important – and how to take action to reach company
goals.
Recently,
I attended a local forum focused on diversity
through the lens of advancing talent, opportunity and growth for all my local
region’s citizens.
For
me, personally, the summit was incredibly thought provoking. It challenged my
beliefs and assumptions about Madison, where I live and work. The summit also
offered perspectives from beyond my local area, examining case studies from
some of the most successful communities the country. These programs inspired me. They embraced and encouraged diversity in all its forms –and they spurred economic growth.
From
mass transit and job accessibility strategies to financial marketing campaigns,
many ideas shared at the summit were practical and proven. And, they could
realistically be adopted and implemented by organizations anywhere.
One
example that stuck with me was the Change the Sign inclusion campaign. Led by another financial institution, it offers a unique
way for a company to support and focus on people with disabilities.
The
campaign creates awareness for the need to update parking signs for people with
disabilities. These signs haven’t been changed in 50 years and still display
the outdated term “handicapped.” This simple initiative can bring about
positive change. It demonstrates the lead organization’s commitment to people
with disabilities. It also exposes an issue many people may not have considered
before – how insulting this term and sign can be to the group it is intended to support.
I’m
learning a lot as we travel down the path to greater diversity and inclusion
here at CUNA Mutual Group. This session really showed me how important D&I
is, not only in creating a better working environment for employees, but also for
the continued success of organizations that care about people.
The
summit I attended was just one opportunity to reach out, look deeper and learn
more. I encourage anyone and everyone to make D&I a focus, both personally
and professionally. By broadening perspectives, we’re creating change for the
better.
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