Diversity Council

The Diversity Council has four strategic goals that guide our work:

Global
An equitable and inclusive community, where all individuals are empowered, conscientious, and courageous.

Civic Equity
Civic equity is the realization of a society where all individuals receive equitable access to resources, protections, and opportunities. Each person enjoys: (a) equal treatment under law, both through law enforcement and the judicial system; (b) equitable access to and representation in the political process; and (c) equal opportunity to engage in the design of and benefit from inclusive public policy.

Educational Equity
Educational equity exists when all individuals are fully prepared for the roles of their choice, regardless of personal or social circumstances. Educational equity requires systems of support that result in full access to opportunities that lead to personal growth.

Health Equity
Health equity is the attainment of the highest level of wellbeing for all individuals, regardless of personal or social determinants of health. Health equity requires the social, economic, and environmental conditions that result in full access to opportunities that lead to healthy lives.

The Diversity Council is a catalyst and convener, creating environments that allow every person the opportunity to reach their full potential. In our work we transform organizations, empower youth to act as change makers, equip and mobilize nontraditional leaders, and galvanize equity work in the region. We measure success in terms of progress, not by prescribing what changes should occur, but by compelling strategic and effective action on key issues affecting individuals, groups, and communities.

The Diversity Council concentrates its work in three areas: civic equity, health equity, and educational equity. We accomplish this by:
• Identifying and publicizing issues and opportunities through outreach, print, and online resources;
• Brokering action by facilitating dialogue and convening collaborative workgroups;
• Operating programs that create leaders who can not only be successful in the current system, but can also change the system.
• Educating youth and adults through trainings, consultations, and arts and cultural events.

All of our work is grounded in current research and theory as well as best practices in the field. Twenty-seven years of experience and a reputation for excellence have established us as the premier diversity and equity resource in Southeast Minnesota.

As one of the early leaders in diversity education, The Diversity Council draws from a long history in our field to inform our work. Decades of experience give us a broad knowledge of what has been effective in the past and what has not. Other assets that position us for success include a sound financial footing; positive, long-standing relationships with leaders across all sectors of the community; established partnerships with schools and other organizations; and favorable relationships with media. Although we have a small staff, their many years of experience in the field are also a major contributing factor to our success.

Our program consistently meet our goal of 80% of participants demonstrating direct outcomes. Occasionally certain workshops dip below the 80% mark, and those workshops are revised until the goal is met. Most workshops exceed the goal. Qualitative analysis also demonstrates progress toward intermediate goals.

A continually changing environment and rapidly shifting demographics mean that new challenges constantly arise and our work is never done. Although prejudice will never disappear entirely, the Diversity Council will continue to serve as a guide for our community to help meet the challenges of change and integrate the assets of new populations into the fabric of our society.