Cultural Insight Council
Contact:
Thomas Carnegie
(616) 632-7476
Kent County
Human Resources Department
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Vision Statement: To have a culture where employees understand, value and sustain diversity and inclusion.
Mission Statement: To act as a catalyst to foster a culture which accepts and values the individual differences of its employees and is responsive to the diverse and changing needs of our community.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
History
In 2000, Kent County's Diversity Committee decided its purpose could be better served by a group of people representing many different departments, races, ethnic groups, ages, job levels and both genders. A diverse group of 35 people was selected from a pool of 150 applicants to participate in its Cultural Insight Council (CIC). This Council provides a multifaceted perspective on various issues to County Administration.
The newly appointed CIC members participated in an intensive training regiment in the area of diversity and cultural awareness and established its organizational foundation. The Council created its goals and objectives with the intent to assist and guide the County in the area of diversity, cultural awareness and inclusion.
Goals
- To develop an awareness and understanding of diversity issues.
- To encourage and support that the diversity of the community is represented at all levels of employment within Kent County Government.
- To promote fair and equal treatment and inclusiveness of all employees regardless of race, religion, color, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and physical abilities.
- To ensure that the public we serve receives assistance in a culturally sensitive manner.
Accomplishments
- Representation at Department Director Meetings to inform the directors of the status, goals and accomplishments of the CIC.
- Creation of a cultural awareness and diversity training module for new employee orientation.
- Collaborated with training and development to enhance the County's internal learning session on diversity offered through the Learning Ensures Achievement Program (LEAP).
- Conduct "Brown Bag Sessions" whereby employees could bring their lunches and attend a lunch hour program related to cultural understanding and diversity.
- Written CIC/Diversity articles for the County Communicator newsletter in an effort to keep all employees informed and educated.
- Surveyed all county employees to gauge personal experiences and observations as employees of Kent County as well as personal feelings concerning diversity in the workplace. The CIC is in the process of evaluating ways to address the information gleaned from the survey.
