Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity
North Carolina Chapter Conference
June 18, 2009
Diane Linderman, PE
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
At-Large Director, Leadership and Management
“The American Public Works
Association recognizes,
appreciates and fosters the
synergy which is created when
the work environment values the
differences in individuals and
practices inclusiveness and open
communication.”
Diversity is neither
affirmative action nor an
equal opportunity program.
Differences in people can
be an asset or liability in
APWA or the workplace
depending on how we
accept those differences.
History of Diversity in APWA
Board adopted the policy in 1995
Created committee to foster the idea of Diversity
among members
Developed resource guides: Volume I and II
Wrote articles for Reporter and Bridges
Programs at congress
Diversity awareness to chapters through liaison
Diversity Committee Today
Chaired by Jennifer Adams, DPW Tempe, AZ
Chapter outreach
Member education
Women in public
works
Younger members
Generational
differences
Diversity Exemplary
Practices Award
Progressive Women in Public
Works
Breakfast at congress
Women’s essays
Reception at congress
InfoNow
Surveys
Women in Public Works
Survey
Follow up to 2006 survey
2948 survey requests
936 responses
Men not included
Key Findings
58.5% believe glass ceiling exists
due to:
Lack of promotional opportunities 57.7%
Inequity in pay 47%
The department is not ready for that type of move
34.6%
Discrimination 37.2%
Key Findings, cont.
Ethnic diversity ongoing challenge
Only 42.9% involved in Chapter
13.7% have mentor, 71.9% of which are
male
What education do women
want?
Management techniques specific for
women
Conflict management
Educational opportunities
Working with/managing your boss
Making the most out of networking
Interesting facts/anecdotes/humor
Working with/managing people older than
you
What education do women
want?
They’re not ready for “your” type of
leadership (female leadership)
Performance evaluations
Managing technical people without a
technical background
Mentoring
Working with men
Differences of Opinion
Don’t over-segregate women’s issues
Keep doing what you are doing
Continue to advocate for female public
works employees
Generational Activities
Subcommittee Focus
Its mission is to recruit, develop, connect, empower and
retain young professionals in APWA through increased
opportunities and resources to enhance their professional
development and success within the Association and the
public works industry.
Sessions at Congress
Younger Member Reception at
Congress
Fun Activity
Five attributes about:
• your colleague
• yourself
Personal Attributes
Diversity recognizes
Creed
Lifestyle
National origin
Disability
Personality
Educational
background
Processing style
Thinking style
Energy level
Assertiveness
level
Values
Diversity recognizes
Political views
Marital status
Goals and
ambitions
Likes and
dislikes
Social status
Income level
Tenure within an
organization
Level of position
within an
organization
Geographic
origin
Management
versus union
Rural versus
urban
“How do we create a
harmonious society out of so
many kinds of people? The
key is tolerance – the one
value that is indispensable in
creating community.”
~Barbara Jordan
Value Attribution
Our tendency to imbue someone
or something with certain
qualities based on a perceived
value rather than objective data
Sway – The Irresistible Pull of Irrational
Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman
Attributed the value they
perceived to the quality of the
performance
What can your chapter do
to embrace diversity?
You can…
appoint a diversity chair
create a
diversity
committee
Embrace New Members
Welcome new members (please stand!)
Recognize new members at meetings
Call them and invite them to next meeting
Form a welcoming committee
Assign greeters
Special stickers
Follow up
Embrace New Members
• First Timers’ Meeting/New Member
Orientation
• Determine leadership interests – get
them involved immediately!
• Exchange business cards
• Contact your Membership Chair - call 5
new members
• List new members in newsletter and
website
• Open communication
Integrate facets of
diversity into chapter
activities
Chapter Programs
Seek out speakers from diverse
backgrounds
Doesn’t always have to be DPW director
Always remind speakers the need to be sensitive to
diversity
What is humorous to you may not be to others
Hold panel discussions on diversity
Hold younger member activities
Chapter Programs
Mentor programs
Student programs at universities
Student programs at elementary and middle schools
Chapter members
Awards for members
Use the Diversity
Resource Guides
Why Embrace Diversity?
“There wouldn’t be a sky full of stars
if we were all meant to wish on the
same one.”
~Frances Clark
Why Embrace Diversity
Increases creativity
Increases productivity
Increases camaraderie
Increases the best and brightest employee
pool
Increases communication
Reduces conflict
Promotes inclusion
Promotes synergy
Why Embrace Diversity?
Everyone brings unique
perspectives
We are diverse
It is a reason to celebrate
Diane Linderman, PE
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
At-Large Director, Leadership and
Management
804.343.7100 x6051
d.linderman@vhb.com