Diversity Champions

June 1, 2000

Diversity Champions act as catalysts for diversity throughout the magazine publishing industry.  Their role is to help the industry live up to its commitment to embrace and value diversity. They act as role models - taking actions when appropriate and addressing behaviors when necessary.  They capitalize on the best each person has to offer by empowering them with the opportunities, tools, and support needed to develop and grow.  Finally, diversity champions invite, encourage and inspire organizational excellence.

Qualities of a Diversity Champion:

Promotes fairness in the workplace
Recognizes cultural differences
Treats others with dignity and respect
Encourages teamwork
Is consistent in what (s)he does and says
Challenges conventional thinking
Creates a positive work environment
Places high value on diversity and fairness
Removes barriers that hinder progress
Empowers people to achieve potential

Role of a Diversity Champion:

To actively support the diversity effort to make the industry and his/her respective organization inclusive

To work to ensure that systems and processes are aligned with the organization’s diversity goals

To make an effort to regularly communicate the benefits of diversity to the industry and his/her respective organization’s success

To take responsibility for helping and explaining the ropes to new people in the organization

To provide constructive and honest feedback to others in ways that help them succeed

To provide formal and/or informal mentoring to help a diverse range of individuals

To encourage individuals to speak up for their issues and concerns

To make an effort to remain flexible enough to accommodate different work styles and needs
Techniques & Strategies for Champions:
Challenge those who make inappropriate and hurtful comments

Make an effort to increase their knowledge about different cultures, backgrounds and groups

Put aside personal viewpoints to fully listen and learn from those with different perspectives

Invite a group of colleagues to watch a diversity video or show one at a staff meeting.

Read industry-wide diversity communications.  Understand and talk about key messages.

Increase your understanding to the business case for diversity.
Recognize diversity as a global issue.

Initiate conversations about diversity.

Encourage colleagues to get involved in MPA initiatives.

Suggest networking opportunities.

Maximize organizational initiatives such as:

Development: Continuous skill building in the areas of career development, individual effectiveness and management help create an environment where everyone can succeed.

Performance Management: Performance management processes provide a framework for providing every employee with access to open, constructive feedback and for creating management accountability for quality coaching and performance appraisals.

Mentoring: Mentoring enhances individual a d organizational effectiveness through coaching, sponsorship and exposure to key organizational stakeholders, and skill development for both protégés and mentors.