How do you turn community diversity into strength and innovation?

1 Assess your community's diversity

The first step is to understand the diversity of your community in terms of demographics, identities, interests, needs, and values. You can use various methods to collect this information, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or mapping exercises. The goal is to identify the commonalities and differences among your community members, as well as the potential gaps or barriers to participation and inclusion. This will help you design your organizing activities and communication strategies in a way that is responsive and respectful to your community's diversity.

2 Build trust and relationships

The second step is to build trust and relationships among your community members, especially across different groups or segments. You can do this by creating opportunities for dialogue, interaction, and mutual support, such as community events, workshops, forums, or online platforms. You can also use techniques such as storytelling, icebreakers, or games to facilitate bonding and empathy. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and community among your diverse members, as well as to foster a culture of openness and curiosity.

3 Leverage diverse skills and talents

The third step is to leverage the diverse skills and talents of your community members for your organizing goals and activities. You can do this by inviting and encouraging your members to contribute their ideas, opinions, expertise, or resources to your cause, such as by forming working groups, committees, or task forces. You can also use tools such as asset mapping, skill sharing, or mentoring to identify and mobilize the strengths and capacities of your community. The goal is to tap into the collective intelligence and creativity of your diverse members, as well as to enhance their sense of ownership and empowerment.

4 Address conflicts and challenges

The fourth step is to address the conflicts and challenges that may arise from your community's diversity, such as disagreements, misunderstandings, or biases. You can do this by establishing and enforcing clear and fair rules and norms for your organizing activities and communication, such as by creating a code of conduct, a conflict resolution policy, or a feedback mechanism. You can also use methods such as mediation, facilitation, or dialogue to resolve disputes and promote mutual understanding. The goal is to create a safe and respectful space for your diverse members, as well as to foster a culture of learning and growth.

5 Celebrate and appreciate diversity

The fifth step is to celebrate and appreciate the diversity of your community, as well as the achievements and contributions of your diverse members. You can do this by recognizing and rewarding your members for their efforts and impacts, such as by giving awards, certificates, or tokens of appreciation. You can also use platforms such as newsletters, social media, or blogs to showcase and share the stories, experiences, or best practices of your diverse members. The goal is to create a sense of pride and gratitude for your community's diversity, as well as to foster a culture of recognition and inspiration.

6 Evaluate and improve your practices

The sixth and final step is to evaluate and improve your practices for turning community diversity into strength and innovation. You can do this by collecting and analyzing feedback, data, or evidence from your community members and stakeholders, such as by conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups. You can also use frameworks such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, or logic models to assess and measure your outcomes and impacts. The goal is to identify and address the gaps, challenges, or areas of improvement for your diversity practices, as well as to celebrate and replicate your successes and best practices.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?