What are Diversity and Inclusiveness?
• Many people use the terms “diversity” and “inclusiveness” interchangeably. The Expanding Nonprofit Inclusiveness Initiative considers them to have very different meanings. • Diversity describes the extent to which an organization has people from diverse backgrounds and communities working as board members, staff, and/or volunteers. • Inclusive organizations not only have diverse individuals involved; more importantly, they are learning-centered organizations that value the perspectives and contributions of all people, and strive to incorporate the needs and viewpoints of diverse communities into the design and implementation of universal and inclusive programs. Inclusive organizations are, by definition, diverse at all levels.
