Diversity is.  Diversity exists.  Each day we deal with diversity issues, but it is how we not only manage but leverage these issues that define us and ultimately leads to our success.  Webster defines “diversity” as the instance or point of difference or the condition of being different.  The South Carolina Diversity Council (SCDC) is committed to supporting employers as they seek to effectively and strategically manage the differences in their organizations.

 

The 2007 Board of directors has adopted Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas diversity definition:

 

“Diversity refers to the differences, similarities, and related tensions that exist in any mixture.”

 

With this united foundation, we have worked hard to support the mission of the SCDC, beginning with a strategic planning session in March.  Armed with a revised mission statement,

 

“The mission of the South Carolina Diversity council is to encourage, support and educate employers as they seek to value and strengthen diversity in the workplace.”

 

the 2007 Board of Directors has been dedicated to strengthening the infrastructure of the organization and set the direction for continual growth.  The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has played an integral role in the current success of the council and has provided tremendous support to the organization. 

 

This year we have re-established our standing committees:  Membership (Carolyn Morales, chairperson (moralesc@cofc.edu)), Programs (Cara Crotty, chairperson (ccrotty@constangy.com)), and Communications/ Marketing – (Cheryl Behymer, chairperson (cbehymer@laborlawyers.com)).  Over the last few years, we have seen the membership steadily grow.  We have participated in various programs and conferences throughout the state and provided the diversity curriculum for the SC Chamber of Commerce HR certification series.  SCDC members were able to attend at a reduced rate for this module.  If you are interested in serving on one of the committees, please contact the chairperson at their email listed above. 

 

To best meet the needs of the membership, we disseminated a survey earlier this year.  Based on the responses, we are planning a series of Diversity programs.  We will be offering an informative follow-up session to the Affinity article you will enjoy in this issue near the end of the year.  Stay tune for more information.  

 

 

 

 

 

It is an exciting time to be a part of the South Carolina Diversity Council.  Our goal is for the SCDC to be a premier resource in SC on diversity issues.  In addition to this newsletter our enhanced website (www.scdiversitycouncil.org) will link you to several key sources of information. 

 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our 3rd Annual Excellence in Diversity Workplace Award Dinner on October 30, 2007. The event will be held at Embassy Suites in Columbia, SC starting with a reception at 5:30 and the awards dinner at 6:30.  This will be a great opportunity to from companies throughout the sate that have outstanding diversity initiatives.  We will also address how to speak the language of the “C suite” from top executives who are engaged and leading their organizations in the work

 of diversity

 

We hope you enjoy this issue of our diversity council newsletter.  We look forward to continuing to provide you with value added programs and resources.

 

Thyra Austin serves as the 2007 Chairperson of the South Carolina Diversity Council