The Macomb Diversity Initiative seeks to create an environment in which acceptance, understanding, and respect are vital principles of business and community life in Macomb County.Exploring Diversity

When we refer to diversity we are referring to a number of characteristics both physical and ideological that make up who a person is. 

Race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and many other ideologies, orientations, and beliefs all factor in to who a person is and how they interact and view society.

Focusing on Awareness, Knowledge, Skills, and Action we can each build our Diversity Competence.

It is important to note that developing Diversity Competence is not a simple task.  Overcoming stereotypes and learning about others’ beliefs and values can be a challenge, however it is the exploration of our uniqueness in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment, which provides us with the opportunity to celebrate our diversity.

 

Why Explore Diversity?

Macomb County is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.

Each day people from diverse backgrounds are choosing to conduct business and live in Macomb County.

As the demographic makeup of our communities continues to change each of us can greatly benefit from a better understanding of diversity and its impact on business and life.

 

Macomb Diversity Initiative Objectives

The Macomb Diversity Initiative was developed to help Macomb County businesses and residents better understand Macomb County’s growing diversity, and utilize our uniqueness as a competitive advantage domestically and abroad. We must begin to take proactive steps to enhance the awareness and understanding of our uniqueness in order to make Macomb County an inviting and prosperous place for all people.  The Initiative seeks to assist business and residents:

Increase diversity competence

Serve customers more effectively

Interact with neighbors and co-workers

Compete in the global marketplace

Macomb Diversity Initiative - Diversity Brochure Series

In order to establish a stable foundation for the future success of this initiative the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development alongside the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce has developed a Diversity Brochure Series, which highlights the importance of diversity and many of the unique ethnicities and cultures in Macomb County.

The main brochure entitled Diversity Awareness + Understanding illustrates the importance of diversity and culture and its impact on business and community life

Six accompanying Country Brochures focus on China, Germany, India, Lebanon, Mexico, and South Africa.  Each country was selected based on their strategic importance to international trade and business in Southeast Michigan, and demographic statistics compiled from the 2000 United States Census.  Each country brochure includes information on: geography, demographics, languages, society, culture, religion, etiquette, customs, and general business practices in each nation.

 

Macomb Diversity Initiative Partners

The County received help from many organizations in the development of this initiative.  Special thanks must go to the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce who has been involved since the beginning of the initiative.  The Michigan Department of Civil Rights also provided the County with resource material and insight into how to approach a sensitive subject like diversity.  Baker College and Beaumont Hospitals provided financial support for the printing of the brochures. 

In hopes of furthering the initiative the County is continually looking to foster vibrant partnerships with interested communities, private organizations, and community leaders and members. 

 

Related Links

Diversity Literature and Academic Research

Morrison, T. and Conaway, W.A. (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands (2nd ed). Adams Media: Avon, Massachusetts

Penn State University An Overview of Diversity Awareness

Southeast Community College Dimensions in Diversity

Demographic Information

United States Census Bureau American Fact Finder

 

County Profiles and Characteristics

Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions

Canadian Center of Intercultural Learning

CIA World Factbook

Should you have any additional questions regarding the Macomb Diversity Initiative or would like to request hard copies of our Diversity Brochures please feel free to contact the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development at (586) 469-5285.