Community RelationsTEAMWORK THROUGH DIVERSITY

Cultural BackgroundWho am I: James C. Thompson

My Cultural Background

Born and Raised in Arizona

Dad: ◦ Born in the Depression Era, he developed a knack for repurposing and reusing things. In 1944 he lied about

his age and joined the Army Air Corps. He registered as a Democrat but was not shy about being critical of people from his own party. After the Army Dad settled into the construction business, where he worked as a Supervisor for thirty-five years. His ability to multi-task and his work ethic was inspiring.

Mom:◦ A survivor, she raised her three brothers after her mother was incapacitated by a stroke. Very musical, she

plays and teaches piano and organ. She became an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An avid reader, her library includes everything from Dr. Stephen Hawking to Dr. Seuss. Conservative politically, she’s registered Republican but is extremely critical when need be. A strong work ethic and detail specific, mom has sharp focus.

Elements of LifeMy Cultural Identity:

◦ Religious: I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in which I volunteer my time on a weekly basis as a teacher and an Assistant Scout Master

◦ Reading : I read multiple books at a time. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes.

◦ Multi-Tasking: I am able to devote my time and attention to several projects and tasks at once.

◦ Work Ethic: from an early age I learned the value and the joys of doing a job well.

◦ Music: I was raised to appreciate the beauty and diverse nature of all music

◦ Libertarian: Mom is a Republican, Dad was a Democrat, however since I’ve come to see flaws in both parties and was raised to speak up and speak out I became a Libertarian.

◦ ‘Pack Rat’ mentality: my Dad taught me that if something was reusable it wasn’t thrown away, but saved for a future use, even if that use wasn’t immediately apparent.

◦ Commitment: my parents instilled in me the value of obligation. Once you say you’ll do something, do it.

◦ Preparation: my parents and the Boy Scout program taught me that the proper groundwork is essential to success.

The Past Influences the PresentMy identity at Work is Influenced by my Father:

◦ Work Ethic: My Father was the hardest worker I ever knew. Working with him, I picked up this value of hard work. No matter what job I have held, whenever I finished a task I always went looking for another one. It has never been in my nature to sit idle.

◦ Multi-Tasking: As a supervisor, my Father needed manage several tasks at once. He worked in the field and in an office, he treated everyone he met with courtesy and he managed a sizeable work load. Observing these skills helped me out in my career at Loomis Customer Care. I was able to take what I had learned about managing my work load, courtesy and office work aided in this job.

My Cultural Background has Shaped my Identity: ◦ Religious Experience: As a young man I was heavily involved in service projects sponsored by my church. Such as weeding a widow’s garden, cleaning up a local park, or

shoveling snow for my neighbors. Being given these opportunities not only helped to fortify my work ethic, but it taught me teamwork. It also taught me to focus on other peoples needs and look past my own.

◦ Commitment: My parents taught. “If you tell someone you’re going to do something, do it.” I have often committed to accomplish extra work, individual projects and miscellaneous tasks for managers and fulfilled that commitment. In fulfilling the faith others have put in my abilities I have gained the trust of my managers and self confidence.

◦ Planning Ahead: As a Boy Scout the motto “Be Prepared” was repeated at the beginning of every Patrol Meeting. I was taught that success in life comes down to self preparation. Every success I have enjoyed in the workplace has been made possible because I was prepared to work for that success.

How does my Identity Hinder me?:

◦ ‘Pack Rat’ Mentality: As a depression survivor, my Father learned never to throw away anything. Everything could be reused and repurposed. I was taught that I should never throw anything out, because I would never know when I might need it. The problem is I am not as adept at repurposing and repair as my Dad was.

◦ Multi-Tasking vs. Detail Orientation: While I have my Dad’s multi-tasking skills, I have my Mom’s attention to detail orientation. Sometimes this is not a good thing. There are times when I focus too much on the details of a particular job, rather than the scope of the task. The result is not everything gets done.

Influence on Role as ChairHow my Cultural Identity Helps:

◦ Work Ethic: my attitude in approaching a job is ‘there is always something that can be done’. I find that I am more comfortable doing something to contribute to a project.

◦ Multi-Tasking: my ability to focus on more than one task at a time, coupled with my work ethic, will increase efficiency.

How my Cultural Background and Identity Supports the Team: ◦ Religious Experience: my experience with my church has strengthened my work ethic, taught me the value of volunteerism

and the importance of service.

◦ Commitment: one of the utmost lessons I learned growing up was that your word was your bond. Once you commit to a project you must give it your all.

◦ Planning Ahead: success in any task depends largely in the amount of preparation you put into it. As the Scout motto states, “Be Prepared.”

How my Cultural Background Hinders:◦ ‘Pack Rat’ Mentality: I was taught how to repurpose items, however, I can get carried away a bit. Sometimes becoming

slightly neurotic about people throwing something away that still had some usefulness.

◦ Multi-Tasking vs. Detail Orientation: While I can multi-task well, there are times when I will become fixated on one task at theexpense of others.

Self AnalysisWhy is this important?

You might wonder why learning about your Cultural Background and Identity are important?It’s even possible you’re wondering how it could help this committee with the planning of events?

Cultural Backgrounds = Who we are

1. Our Cultural Influences shape who we are. Despite what you might have thought of them, those early impacts in your life have helped to mold you into the person you are today. You either wanted to follow the guidance given to you in your formative years, or you wanted to find your own way and learn for yourself. In either case, our Cultural Backgrounds have helped to contour our character.

2. Self Analysis: Positives. Through introspection you can see the strengths and talents you possess. It is a distinct possibility, in doing a quick self-assessment, that you find you are more capable than you give yourself credit for.

3. Self Analysis: Negatives. In the same contemplation, you will also find that you have short comings and weaknesses. This is not something to shy away from or be ashamed of. Use the knowledge of your own flaws as an opportunity to begin strengthening yourself.

Advantages to the CommitteeWhy are the committee members so different from one another?

◦ You may have noticed that our committee is extremely diverse. There is a very good reason for that.

◦ At the beginning of this presentation, you might have noticed the sub-heading. If not, here it is:

Teamwork through Diversity.◦ Teamwork through diversity means that each committee member brings something different to the

table. Each member has a different skill set, a wealth of life experience, and most importantly, a different perspective that can vitalize the group.

◦ The knowledge of the committee as a whole will create an environment of new ideas and creative thought for wonderful, interactive and diverse activities.

◦ These skills and experiences will help the committee achieve its overall goal: to increase diversity, and foster teamwork through that diversity, in the workplace.

Conflict and ResolutionSTRATEGIES AND GUIDELINES FOR PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS

DiscriminationIt can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Case in point:

A veteran Los Angeles police sergeant is suing the city claiming he was discriminated against because of his Wiccan religion.

Sgt. A.J. DeBellis, filed a complaint … in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation, [claiming] he was “verbally berated” and issued negative comment cards by a captain and a lieutenant after voicing complaints about his mandatory attendance at a training session and holiday gathering at a Christian church in Chatsworth in December 2012.

DeBellis claims he was required to sit through a recital of a Christian prayer and that religious music was played “during a significant portion of the event.”

As a practicing Wiccan, (DeBellis) was deeply offended by the department’s decision to conduct the training session and holiday gathering at a religious facility and reasonably believed that the event violated the Establishment Clause and separation of church and state,” documents obtained by CNS read. (CBS 2014)

Strategies1. Establish a Dialogue. Should any member of the Committee is called in to mediate a conflict,

be kind but firm. Stay on task. Be willing to listen to all sides. Remind the parties, if necessary, this is not a debate, no points are given for being right or pointing out the other sides flaws. Encourage everyone to have a “home in the conversation”. While getting the parties to talk will not necessarily resolve the conflict, it will the open lines of communication. Talking is always better than screaming.

2. Be Willing to Give. Compromise is key in conflict resolution. In order for both sides to be appeased, some might have to give a little to gain a lot. Patience is essential for this strategy. Tempers may flare during this discussion. If they do, adjourn. Tell everyone that they need to cool off for a little while and reconvene later.

3. Let’s Brainstorm a Solution. Working in groups and letting the creative juices flow is also a viable strategy in managing a conflict. The application of innovative energy in a group setting gives everyone an opportunity contribute towards a solution

Guidelines for Activities1. Representatives from culturally diverse groups are actively involved in the planning, delivery and

evaluation of the event – or an advisory committee with culturally diverse representation is consulted at all stages of the planning.

2. Make sure persons with disabilities can enter the chosen venue and participate in the event with dignity. Include the accessibility symbols on all promotional materials, so that people with disabilities are aware that your event is accessible.

3. Consider cultural festivals and religious observances when scheduling events and activities –consult with local faith groups and refer to an interfaith calender to be aware of days of special observance that might affect attendance.

4. Contact other clubs, societies and services to seek promotion of your event on their websites –inclusivity can be a selling point.

5. Provide multi-lingual information about your event so that all people feel respected and included. Provide promotional materials in languages commonly spoken in your community. Make sure that any advertising or announcements are not unintentionally and indirectly discriminating. (Alberta 2014)

SourcesCBS Los Angeles, (Apr. 7, 2014) . Police Sgt. Sues City, Claims He Was Discriminated Against For Wiccan Religion. Retrieved from http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/04/07/police-sgt-sues-city-claims-he-was-discriminated-against-for-wiccan-religion/

Government of Alberta, (2014). How To Make Your Event Culturally Inclusive http://humanservices.alberta.ca/abuse-bullying/15737.html