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In October 2012, Goodwill NCW was awarded the Wisconsin SHRM (Society for Human Resource Managers) Workplace Diversity Advocate Award.
This prestigious award exists to recognize those organizations who foster an inclusive work environment in which all employees are inspired to contribute their best through their different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, and to award an organization who has been a role model in their local community as a strong advocate for diversity.
Eligible organizations need to have displayed diversity in their local community; be a role model for others in their advocacy of diversity; have demonstrated leadership in championing the cause of racial, cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and other aspects of diversity within the human resources profession and community; be an organization, company or division of an organization/company that is based in the State of Wisconsin."
Here's a piece of our award nomination:
How does the organization embrace, celebrate and include diversity in its workforce?
It is 100% clear at Goodwill NCW that diversity is not just a buzzword, an event, a training, or a program. Diversity is why we exist, it's a deep cultural value, and it is part of everything we do. When we speak of human diversity here at Goodwill, we speak broadly to include ALL people -- folks of all beliefs, identities, abilities, appearances, ethnicities, experiences, etc. We truly Put People First, all people.
Diversity for us is not an end point, but instead a journey or an unveiling of layers and depths. Diversity for us is a celebration of our similarities and our differences, not a scorecard. We don't have “diversity experts, but we do have a few thousand team members, program participants and community volunteers who each offer a piece of the diversity gift. For us, diversity and inclusion are deeply intertwined. We know that harnessing the different perspectives and talents of a diverse workforce makes business sense; we also do it because it is the right thing to do.
Our various workplace environments, from retail stores to administrative offices, are filled with people of diverse beliefs, experiences and identities. Our people are our most valuable asset, and by creating welcoming, inclusive, vibrant and respectful space, we are able to offer a great place for our people to do important work.
Our nomination also speaks about a few of our many programs that support the diverse needs of people in our community, programs such as BBA, FISC, VSS, Harmony Cafe, GLBT Partnership, Circles of Support, American Indian Services and Miracle League.
In addition, our nomination touched on some of the many other ways Goodwill NCW works to build inclusive workspace and communities such as flexible benefits, offering an organizational Chaplain, sponsoring and supporting community events, collaborating with dozens of community organizations, and having a set of organizational values that support and promote diversity and inclusion.
This award recognizes all the amazing work Goodwill NCW has done so far, and also gives us inspiration to keep doing this work in more and better ways in the coming years.
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