Accelerate January 2021 Magazine

approved the following priorities for the Alliance’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy: 1. Endorse the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Agenda. The Equality of Opportunity agenda provides a roadmap of policy solutions to help close race-based opportunity gaps in four areas: education, employment, entrepreneurship and criminal justice. The Alliance is already working on several of the identified solutions in such areas as transportation, affordable housing, education reform and criminal justice reform. 2. Connect Alliance members to DEI resources through our programs, partners and website. The majority of Alliance members are small businesses without the resources, or structure, to implement a DEI policy. The Alliance can serve as a facilitator for member companies looking to engage in DEI thought leadership and programming by creating a resource page on our website, promoting the DEI offerings of valued partners such as MRA, and asking Alliance members with formal DEI programs to assist in member education efforts through Alliance programs. 3. Host “crucial conversations” around DEI led by the board and task force members. The power of the Alliance is realized through the voluntary engagement of its member companies. To better understand their needs and inform future actions, the board of directors and task force should host a quarterly DEI roundtable discussion with members and stakeholders. Roundtables should provide a forum to highlight best practices, identify opportunities for collaboration, engage individuals of color, and create a shared understanding of the benefits of DEI. Whether connecting disenfranchised individuals to employment opportunities through The Joseph Project or establishing forward-thinking company policies which have attracted top executive talent, we know that there are several members that are making a difference in DEI. Please contact the Alliance with successes within your company or to volunteer in assisting with the three strategic priorities. We all can learn a lot from each other’s different experiences and perspectives. • JANUARY 2021 MAGAZINE 15 TURN DISRUPTION 800.642.6774 1call2build.com INTO TRANSFORMATION. While the rest of the world takes a collective pause, our architects and planners are helping resilient businesses pivot, evolve, and aspire. The future is bright. Be ready. Jim Olson AIA, NCARB 414.916.6397