Harold Two October 5th, 2009
The Diversity Institute is proud to present the (2009) report presented to the Portland Development Commission. The works detailed in the report followed through the recommendations of CH2A & Associates, Inc., in their Communication-Community-Connection Report (Fall of 2006 – Summer of 2007).
Harold Two June 30th, 2009
PDC solicited the services of CH2A & Associates, Inc. in June 20, 2006 to help improve the agency’s communication with Portland’s diverse communities, particularly those to whom PDC had not traditionally engaged with. PDC asked CH2A to provide training to the PDC Public Affairs Staff and PDC Community Relations Staff regarding African-American history and experience in Portland.
“Diversity is a resource and necessity; it is not a barrier.” The purpose of our workshop was to help eliminate fear, and establish a “common ground,” focusing on our similarities instead of our differences. Embracing diversity can, and will if utilized properly, open more doors and provide more opportunities than one can imagine. The real issue is that minorities (race, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, etc.) are being left out and denied access to resources that can better their lives. This, in part, is due to the majority culture’s fear and/or lack of knowledge about how to engage with minorities.
Harold Two June 30th, 2009
CH2A made over 500 contacts within the community, had over 80 face-to-face interviews with a variety of homeowners, business owners, community leaders and recipients of PDC’s resources, and held a number of community events and meetings. Interviewees also included developers of small businesses who had received PDC services, labor unions, neighborhood groups, and contractors.
After December 6, 2006, CH2A’s focus moved toward small businesses as a whole, instead of solely on African-American owned businesses. CH2A eventually reached out to all communities, but initially focused on the African-American community because of its experience in communications and its historical knowledge of that community.
In their report, CH2A gives a historical overview of PDC as it pertained to the African-American community, who overall had a negative perception of PDC’s image. They listed many of the issues, and concerns of the community, and also found that many of those disenfranchised shared similar issues with those who had received funding and/or other resources from PDC. The issues that were apparent boiled down to lack of access, lack of communication, and lack of accountability on PDC’s behalf. After CH2A diagnosed the problem and gave recommendations to rectify the issues, The Diversity Institute was able to step in and continue to provide the necessary technical services.
Harold Two March 27th, 2009
Thank you to everyone that made our “Celebrate Portland’s Champions of Diversity” luncheon a successful event.
Harold Two July 31st, 2008
Thomas Jefferson High School/Young Men’s Academy, Portland Development Commission (PDC), Portland Community College (PCC), and the Diversity Institute announce a pilot program that will provide mentoring, career mapping and tracking, internships and career and educational opportunities exposure for Thomas Jefferson High School students. This project will be launched in the fall of 2008.
This program is a direct response to an issue presented at an African-American Alliance Breakfast in spring of 2008. There it was asked, “Who in the city is addressing the issue of our (young African-American) male being disenfranchised, and who is stepping up to the plate to help prepare them to be successful and productive members of society?”
The purpose of this collaboration is to provide the 21ST Century Educational Model that coordinates and collaborates with schools (elementary – middle – high school), government agencies, unions, private entities, social agencies and community colleges and universities. This is the first time that unions, public entities and private entities will work together and take an active role in training and educating today’s youth to become tomorrow’s workforce.
These four organizations (Thomas Jefferson High School/YMA, PDC, PCC and the Diversity Institute) have taken responsibility for leading our region into the future as it relates to diversity, economic development, public relations and education. We all share the understanding and know the importance of public involvement and giving back to the youth in our communities. We believe strongly in the five keys of success: access, accountability, communication, education and relationship building.
What are responsibilities for each participant in this pilot program?
“The key to changing the world is that you must be willing to change your mind.”
Harold C. Williams Two (The Diversity Institute/CH2A)
Contact Person:
Harold C. Williams Two
Cell: (503)490-0755
haroldtwoch2a@msn.com
Harold Two January 21st, 2008
CH2A’s most recent project involving our array of services was the 2006-2007 Community Work Project and Report prepared for the Portland Development Commission. CH2A made over 500 contacts, had over 80 face-to-face interviews and held several community events and meetings. The interviewees included developers, small businesses that received PDC services, labor unions, neighborhood groups and contractors.
At the December 6, 2006, PDC Board of Commissioners meeting, CH2A helped present the annual Diversity Report. With John Jackley and Dr. Garfield DeBarteleban, we announced a number of significant policy changes and presented a strategic shift in attitudes and relations within the minority community. Our research assisted PDC in the development of its Minority Contracting Initiative.
By holding a series of non-traditional community outreach meetings with faith-based and other organizations, CH2A opened doors for PDC that had previously been closed. We went to churches, coffee shops and other places of business to hold events that allowed PDC representatives to meet the public face-to-face. We participated in developing the construction wage policy through our grassroots work and in policy suggestions.