“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.

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.

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.