What is Art?

I had an amazing chat with a person at TEDx yesterday. Tedx is a conference committed to those who support creative ideas in business, art and who basically want to make the world a better place by doing so. The lady that I talked to shared her vision of the perfect art collective with me. She explained to me that even amongst the world of creatives that prejudices could emerge. We had an awesome discussion about the importance of diversity in every area but especially in this one. After our talk I had a poetic brainstorm and quickly rushed to a nearby bench to write it down. I could not find her afterwards to share it but no worries her & I will be grabbing coffee soon. I thought that you, the readers could be the first to experience my poetic creation. Hope you like it...

What is Art?

A blending of Diversity

A mixture of thought

The collaboration of the creative

to show beauty to ALL eyes

What is Art?

Differences

Standing out

Standing together

Blended vision

for ALL to celebrate

What is Art?

The absence of structure

the elimination of category

the meaning of life

What is Art?

Unity.

-Tara Michener

August meeting update

Dimensions of Diversity Alliance had an amazing meeting in August. Our speaker Berge P. Avesian Jr. helped us to understand the culture of the deaf & hearing impaired community with his own personal story of having hearing loss occur at 12 years old.
He educated us about the technology that is making it more manageable to accommodate those who encounter hearing loss. We also welcomed a new member Joshua Nowicki, a representative from the Holocaust Memorial Center at the meeting letting us know about their upcoming events and some of the historical significance of this beautiful center.
Mark your calendar for September 18th which is our Walk, Run, Wheel event in Novi at the Town Center.
This event commemorates the 20th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act and celebrates Triathletes In Action's effort to sponsor their 1st Triathlete in a wheel chair.
If you would like to contribute, participate or volunteer please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Beauty For All...

I had the pleasure of going on a shopping/hang time with a great friend this week. I was inspired to write this blog post because we stopped into a large department store retailer cosmetic area where we were greeted by very friendly make-up artists who asked if we wanted make-overs. I instantly felt the discouragement in my heart. Something told me that they would not have my shade of foundation or powder but I quieted the voice inside-reminded myself that we were in 2010 and simply asked about the shades of foundation that they carry.

I could tell that the artist that I was speaking to had never thought of that dilemma and she looked a bit nervous. She grabbed a shade and tried it out on my hand. I noticed that it did not blend and my heart sank. The lady asked if I wanted a makeover again. I told her that the shade did not match and she let out a breath and said yeah I agree but I wasn't going to say anything. She proceeded to ask me if I wanted a makeover without foundation and I declined. I figured that if you were going to get dolled up foundation is the...well foundation.

I watched as my friend who is more fair than I in skin tone received a beautiful makeover. She is very pretty anyway and her heart matches her outward appearance. The store did a great job on her and I could not help but feel like this experience could make an enriching and thought provoking blog post.I thought about how the cosmetic industry at this particular counter had shades that ranged to fit many hues but not mine. I also thought about how this could impact women and girls who needed beauty products but had to settle for less.

As an advocate and author for self-esteem and diversity I realize that this encounter did not happen by chance but that it could be a learning experience for beauty retailers that don't meet the needs of all shades of beauty. Have you ever felt that you were not acknowledged by the beauty industry in any way? Please share. I'd love to have an open discussion on this topic and think about how we can help the industry know that there is room for improvement.

Read something great.

Guest Blogger Joni Hubred-Golden

Inspiration from the women of WISDOM

A few years ago, I connected with several women from a group called Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro Detroit - WISDOM. They were from different faith traditions but had one goal in mind: To bring women together for open discussions about faith. Because of the project I worked on for them, I thought I'd gotten to know organization pretty well. But until I opened the book Friendship & Faith, I did not realize its membership included so many remarkable women. The book shares the stories of 28 WISDOM members who have all had life-altering interfaith experiences and have committed to fostering peace and understanding in our world.
The chapters are tightly edited, so reading this book is a breeze. Each essay is inspiring, and many introduce readers to faith traditions and other organizations working toward the same goal. For instance, Brenda Naomi Rosenberg shares the story of how she came to create a project that brings young people together through the story of Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, who were raised separately but came together to bury their father. I have a particular interest in interfaith relationships, because my marriage is interfaith. I was raised Christian; my husband is Jewish. People often ask whether I will convert. After eight years, my answer is still, "Not yet." Neither of us is particularly observant, and we haven't felt the overwhelming need to find a "home," so to speak, in one religion or the other. Instead, we have forged a new path in our study of kabbalah. Commonly known as Jewish mysticism, kabbalah has become my personal spiritual path. The philosophy embraces concepts like universal love, healing the world and recognizing a spark of divinity exists in all of us. More importantly, it resonates with both of our faith traditions.
Kabbalah does not require conversion or attendance at religious services, only a genuine thirst for knowledge, an open mind and an open heart. That's really the essence of Faith & Friendship. Every essay relates the joy that come from opening our minds and hearts. The authors write of bonds formed by sharing their stories, learning about other faith traditions and dispeling the whole notion of "other" that creates opportunities for us to think of ourselves, our race or our religion as better or more "right" than someone else's.The book is published by David Crumm Media, Inc., which has produced two other essay collections, Interfaith Heroes I & Interfaith Heroes II. If you are looking for a source of hope, I suggest you read all three. These people live in our communities and work in the service of peace and understanding. We are blessed to have them among us.
Interfaith resources:Read the Spirit: http://www.readthespirit.com/
Friendship & Faith: http://www.readthespirit.com/friendship-and-faith-book/
Interfaith Heroes: http://www.readthespirit.com/interfaith_heroes/

Joni Hubred-Golden is publisher of MichiganWomensForum.com, a web site devoted to sharing stories by, for and about Michigan women. She and her husband Brian live in beautiful Downtown Farmington, Michigan.

Opportunities Do Exist with Disabilities-Guest blog by Dave Peck

Opportunities Do Exist with Disabilities
By: David Peck, Vice President, MPVA Board of Directors
U.S. Navy Veteran, Vietnam, 1968-1969

I was just twenty years old and found myself living as a paraplegic with no trade or higher education. At home, I had a wonderful family who believed I would be able and willing to accept my new lifestyle if I had a new skill to focus on in order to obtain a balance of living and new sense of self-worth. I always felt that I could do anything I put my mind toward and with the help of my family (who supervised the building of a workshop as I returned home from Vietnam) I ended up doing just that.
Living all my life in a community of wonderful friends and family allowed me to accept offers to learn woodworking, canning of chairs, and refinishing of furniture. I set out to build a home to add on to the workshop I already had. With help from numerous individuals, the task was accomplished. From there, I realized I had lots of ideas, and with the use of my new knowledge I sought after a forty-one year journey of creating furniture.
With the passing of years, my hobbies have increased and new adventures have been experienced. I have traveled, seen my children become adults, and completed numerous projects in wood and refinishing. I enjoy hunting and had my first experience with Great Lake Fishing this past month. My favorite thing to do is mow the land around my home myself. I get such joy with the coming of spring and summer; the rebirth of nature and tasks that come with it. I also maintain our pool and keep up with the maintenance of all my “toys.” In addition, my wife and I have also been able to do some traveling in each of the great states.
As for my furniture work, canning brings me the most joy. It is hard to find individuals who have this skill and I take pride in the fact that I can usually cane over twenty chairs a year, all sizes and styles. There are many of my finished products in my home and others as well. Over the years, I have refinished my own dining room furniture, living room tables and my bedroom furniture. Birdhouses happen to be my children’s favorites. In the fall, I look forward to various toy projects for my grandson who is currently awaiting a special train engine that he can sit on and use his imagination.
I always look for new projects and hobbies to make my life enjoyable. I enjoy participating in MPVA sports events and have been competing in them for many years. I also had the luxury of participating in an African Safari Hunt which gave me the opportunity of brining home unbelievable memories and a trophy.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity of talking with returning veterans and I have always tried to give them some sort of self awareness by letting them know that someone else has gone through the same experiences. I have been blessed with the understanding and encouragement from my family and friends. Looking back on the life I was given, I am thankful that I have been truly able to enjoy each and every day.

Save the Date for the Walk, Run, Wheel 5K

The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Blog is proud to present the 1st Annual Walk, Run, Wheel 5K! This event will be held at the Novi Town Center on Spetember 25th. The goal is to raise awareness and educate the community in regards to the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Associations and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act. Triathletes in Action will be gearing up to add their first triathlete in a wheel chair and the funds raised during this event will help them to meet this goal.
Have you ever wondered how hard it would be to get around in a wheel chair? You don't have to wonder anymore. There will be chairs available to allow those who are curious to race the course in a chair to understand the complexity involved in impaired mobility. Bonefish Grill, Tara Michener Industries and more will be involved to make this event a wonderful success. If you have questions or would like to be a sponsor, participant or to donate please email whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
More information will be forthcoming soon.
-Read something great!

American Disabilities Act Anniversary

The Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) was signed into law in 1990 – twenty years have passed for communities to remove physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from becoming active participating citizens. A great deal of progress has been made, but there is still ne...ed for furthe...r compliance.“The ADA in Your Community” Poll asks Michigan citizens to identify how they view their community’s current implementation. There is also opportunity for them to provide opinions and ideas about how accessibility can be improved.People with disabilities, their family members, and their advocates are invited to complete the ADA Poll so that their voices are heard when accessibility issues are being addressed in their communities!See More

ADA In Your Community Poll www.adareportcard.org
ADA Technical Assistance Center, Great Lakes Region

What Really Matters This Weekend…

By: Michael F. HarrisMPVA Executive DirectorU.S. Marine Corps, 1975-79


If you are anything like me, you are looking forward to the holiday weekend! The weather is going to be great and we can take a few minutes away from our offices and busy schedules and spend time with our friends and family. More importantly, we will be celebrating Memorial Day.
Nearly 35 years ago, when I was serving in the military, it seemed as though there were many who were somewhat ambivalent towards our nation's service men and women. Today, however, things have dramatically changed. Our nation proudly salutes its heroes who bravely go out to fight for us every day.
Yet, so often, we become caught up in our day-to-day routines and we forget to take time and thank the people that matter. We fall short thanking our friends, our family, and our loved ones for the important roles they play in our lives. Time and again, we end up losing our patience over small imperfections and minor dilemmas. Subsequently, we stop thinking about the fact that there are people who have risked or lost their lives for our country. We fail to remember those who have worked hard to make a difference in our world.
This weekend, let's not forget to truly take time out and honor the people who deserve so much praise! Take some time to thank those Men and Women who have served, and continue to serve, and never forget those who have so bravely lost their lives for our freedom.
"O beautiful for heroes prov'dIn liberating strife,Who more than self their country loved,And mercy more than life."~America the Beautiful

You can support the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) this Memorial Weekend by simply purchasing your flowers at Glenda’s Nursery in Novi (May 28-31) and $2.00 of every hanging basket of flowers you purchase will come back to MPVA!
Glenda’s Nursery in Novi is located at 40575 Grand River Avenue, across from MPVA Chapter Headquarters between Haggerty and Meadowbrook Road.

Prom Night Missisippi DVD Review

If you have not seen the Movie Prom Night Missisippi-put it on your to-do list. Can you imagine segregated proms in the year 2008? This is exactly what was happening in the small town of Charleston. White students had a parent sponsored prom and Black students had their own prom for many years...until someone made a difference.

Morgan Freeman, esteemed and Academy award winning actor offered the school board an opportunity to have a prom all expense paid if they allowed an integrated event. If you want to know what happens from here-check it out. I hate ruining the movie. What I will share with you is that this documentary is thought-provoking and interesting.

I would love to hear your comments if you have already seen it. Let's stand up to injustice in the same way that Mr. Freeman did. When you know something is not right-take steps to make it better and make sure those steps are positive.

-Read something great!

Post from Jaclyn Kochis...

The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance met last week on May 6, 2010 at the MPVA Chapter Headquarters in Novi, MI. The meeting was a great success as Mr. Chaka McDonald discussed JVS's W.O.R.C Program which focuses on employment and successful integration of parolees and ex-offenders into the community by assisting them in obtaining the skills and support necessary to enter and compete in the workforce and reduce recidivism.
His presentation was enlightening and it truly did help to change some of the stereotypes I formed regarding prisoner reentry programs.
Funny, huh? Even those who advocate for diversity issues have stereotypes about various things because―well, we are human!
Each and every person has been exposed to other people, media, or other channels of information that have helped to form ideas in our brains that are sometimes not entirely accurate. One of the best lessons I have learned from an old friend was to “never assume anything!”
At the time, I found this little suggestion somewhat annoying because I am the type of person who likes to be a step ahead of things or “on the ball” so to speak. Thus, I find it quite natural to plan ahead for something, anticipate for something to happen, or in some cases assume something before the situation has actually come into fruition. What’s unfortunate about this behavior is that fact that this type of thinking often blocks our ability to see things with a fresh outlook.
Just recently, I was in a checkout line at a department store buying a graduation picture frame. The woman at the cash register asked me the following question, “Do you know someone graduating?” I responded by saying, “Yes, I do. My mom just graduated from college!” She responded pleasantly, but, at the same time surprised. “Oh!” was all she said with a smile.
That’s the thing about the way the human brain works. While her reaction was pretty typical (she more than likely expected me to say that my friend, or my sibling, or my cousin was graduating—not my mom), it demonstrates that we often allow our minds to assume answers that we perceive to be the standard or the “norm” before we even know the actuality of the situation.Today, I am reminded of a quote written by Anne Frank, “We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” I like that quote because it shows that there is something that is fair to assume about others: we all have an objective to be happy and we are all different― and the differences are what truly make life worth living!

Sto Lat Guest post by Tiffani Stokley

Years ago I had the privilege to baby-sit for a family with a polish heritage. Overtime, I became one of the family, their African American daughter. For birthdays, we would sing the traditional happy birthday song and then follow-up with the polish version, Sto Lat. I never really knew exactly what I was saying but it was special and festive so I didn’t care. I was apart of the family and I sang Sto Lat!

The department I work in celebrates all the month’s birthdays at once. One month, we gathered as was custom and sang the traditional happy birthday song (with very little enthusiasm). One of the birthday celebrants asked if we knew the polish version. Of course, I belted it out like it was a common thing. My co-workers were astonished and wondered how I knew the polish happy birthday song.

This story reminds me of a few things regarding diversity. The first is that we form all kinds of stereotypes and prejudices based on limited information. I realize that Sto Lat isn’t a popular song, but the level of surprise is what stood out to me. My co-workers had fit me into a box based on past behavior and other factors. No one knew me outside of our extremely limited interactions at work. Why do we do it? It’s just easier. I’m guilty of it, too. It takes effort to push aside our preconceived notions and take in new and often times contradictory information. In order to grow and develop intellectually, we must be willing to revisit how our opinions are formed and challenge them.

The second thing that came to mind is that it never hurts to open your horizons. I become more whole and complete as a person when I keep an open mind. I love learning new things about individuals, cultures, traditions, history, etc. I’m able to relate and interact with a diverse group of people as a result. It pains me to go to an event and see people cluster together in familiar groups. Step out of your comfort zone! Work the room! Meet new people! Learn Sto Lat! What is it going to hurt? It may allow you to make a connection with someone. Another co-worker heard of my attempt to sing Sto Lat and taught me the correct pronunciation and meaning. That was a new connection I may not have made otherwise.

On a final note, I was in Boston waiting for a bus and it started pouring. I ran under a store awning with a homeless man. Other people looked at his appearance and quickly moved on. I started a conversation with him and it turned out to be very educational! He provided me with some keen insight on social issues in Boston. Granted, by the end of the conversation he started talking strange but the rain let up and I was able to end the conversation. But again, you never know what you are going to learn about or from other people. Let’s keep an open mind.

Some history about Cinco...and save the date!

Cinco de Mayo celebrates a victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.It was a great victory because it was unexpected. France at that time was still very powerful and had many troops in Mexico. Why were French troops in Mexico? Let’s go back a few years.Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1810. But the Mexican War with the United States and the Mexican Civil War almost entirely wiped out the Mexican Treasury. During these wars, Mexico had borrowed heavily from European countries, including France. In the early 1860s, Mexico stopped paying France back. France’s answer was to invade Mexico.
The French had tried to make Archduke Maximilian of Austria the ruler of Mexico. Under his command, French troops marched from the Gulf of Mexico toward Mexico City.

As we celebrate diversity let's take some time today to find creative ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This week's Dimension's of Diversity Alliance Meeting is Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Office in Novi.
Hope to see you!-Read something great!

Princeton comes to Michigan...

I have heard my fair share of stereotypes about young people and their lack of motivation. Today's blog makes me feel great because it always an awesome feeling to dispel generalizations. My hubistrator (Jason) and I are co-chairs this year for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Committee of Michigan.
Our duties include seeking out young people (high school age) who have made strides in race relations. I am happy to say that this year's winner Shirisha Thota made an amazing difference in race relations by being innovative, hardworking and creative.
One of the first things mentioned about ths student when we talked to her reccomender was that "Shirisha's one of a kind; she's going to be president one day!" She describes Shirisha, a junior at Farmington H.S., as incredibly friendly, gregarious, passionate about social justice issues, a leader who leads by example and is well-respected and liked by her peers. Shirisha has made personal contact with her state representative, Vicki Burnett, about promoting race relations in her school and county area, and is apparently on a first name basis with her!
Shirisha is very proactive and has gone above and beyond in her role as a Youth Policy Leader. She is "thirsty for this kind of work" i.e.. work related to race relations, social justice, and intergenerational/interracial dialogues. She is working with her Vice Principal and community officials (like Representative Burnett, aka, "Vicki") about organizing more programs and dialogues to promote race relations, including people of all ages.
Shirisha was awarded with a monetary stipend and acknowledgement from Princeton University for her efforts-she also was given the opportunity to come to the National Symposium on Race at Princeton University to meet other young people who have made an amazing difference in their respevctive states.
Today's blog is dedicated to Shirisha for making Michigan stand out in diversity!
-Read something great!

Guest blog from Senior Alliance

Friendship Has No Age Limit
By: Linda DeVore
Program Manager
The Senior Alliance

The Senior Alliance, (TSA) Area Agency on Aging 1-C is a non-profit organization serving the 34 communities in southern and western Wayne County. TSA’s mission is to coordinate a comprehensive network of services to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment, which best suits their needs. TSA provides advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose. Services are also provided to individuals with physical disabilities. The people we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.

Oftentimes, when we think of the words “diversity” or “inclusion” we think of the color of someone’s skin. But, diversity also encompasses age, ability, knowledge, and much more. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friendship has no age limit”—something we strongly believe at The Senior Alliance.

TSA has a comprehensive network of nearly 50 programs and services. In the past year, The Senior Alliance has had remarkable success in all of its programs and has continued to provide services to meet the needs of hundreds of seniors. Older Americans and the disabled have witnessed many turbulent times in the history of our country including World Wars, The Great Depression, and tragedies of diverse kinds. They have made it through those times with great resolve and dignity and are a valuable asset to the next generation. Without the fundamentals they have laid, this country would not be what it is today.

One of the programs that TSA provides is the Holiday Meals program, which delivers meals to seniors who otherwise would not get a hot meal on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Labor Day. Seniors receiving these meals are homebound due to disability or frailty. Many of them may have no family or friends to assist them or visit with them during the holidays. Meals on Wheels does not deliver on holidays, so programs like Holiday Meals through TSA ensure vulnerable and delicate seniors receive a meal for that day.
For many, this brief encounter with someone from the outside is very beneficial to the welfare of the senior and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds, along with the actual nutrition that the meal provides. These seniors look forward to the companionship and of the individual bringing the meals, if only for a few minutes. Sometimes, this is the only opportunity that they have to speak to another human being. How difficult this must be. I can only imagine how this brief visit tugs at the heart strings of the senior. The Holiday Meals program has managed to reach its arms far into the community. Schools and churches participate by having children create beautifully colorful placemats that are delivered along with the meal; many times these seniors keep these placemats for the entire year as a keepsake.

Diversity Quotes...to remember!

Readers,
Quotes are so important to me. I like to remember them as affirmations, advice and sometimes just motivation to keep me going...I thought I'd share some great ones about diversity with you all today!
-Read something great!

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Maya Angelou quotes

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”

“I feel my heart break to see a nation ripped apart by it's own greatest strength--it's diversity.”
ahimsadawn
Melissa Etheridge

“There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity”
Michel de Montaigne quotes

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy


“Variety is the spice of life”
American Proverb

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”

Women's history month reflects a time to commemorate some very special people. So many pioneers made it their mission for women to have an opportunity to work and to vote...but what about the heroes of today? I believe that it is important that we celebrate the strong women of our past but that we also celebrate the women that we see every day. I am so fortunate to be amongst some very influential women who strive to be excellent not only for themselves but also for others.
My co-founder Jaclyn Kochis has been a great person to work with in collaboration with the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance. Jaclyn works at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Association of America. Jaclyn often mentions that as we celebrate diversity it is important not to forget those who are disabled as a part of the community. She and her boss Michael Harris have been an inspiration to many and they continue to provide a voice that helps to educate and inform those about the goals of the DDA and the MPVA. April 15th is their annual open house. If you are interested in learning more about this awesome group-please feel free to stop by and enjoy refreshments in the corporate office. 40550 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375 For more info on this event and the DDA call toll free: (800) 638-MPVA (6782) Contact Us
-Read something great!

Comfortable in Your Own Skin...

Shared post from www.taramichener.com from
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I felt the need to share this post with those who support the diversity community. I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your comments. (Tara Michener)
Comfortable in your own skin...
Why is diversity an important topic for young people? This is a question that I am asked often at book signings and events. Many feel that we should not complicate kids with the worries of culture studies and race. I have been told that it is better to let them just be and ignore color. In a perfect world this sounds adequate. Our world is improving but it is far from perfect. Diversity is an important topic for young people because it teaches them to learn to embrace people different from themselves and to accept themselves as well. When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin. -Read something great!

Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Kick-off A Success!

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) and author of the children's book series “Who I Am” which focuses on diversity and self esteem, Tara Michener, launched the first “The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance (DDA)” on February 25, 2010. The meeting was a great success as Michigan-based professionals came to the MPVA Chapter Headquarters to discuss how they could actively partner together to better their communities by creating positive perceptions and awareness regarding diversity issues.

The first meeting was kicked-off with an icebreaker which demonstrated that although the Alliance members may seem uniquely different, they are indeed extraordinarily similar. As Michael Harris, MPVA Executive Director, pointed out, “As human beings we all have the same basic needs—to be accepted and cared for.”

In addition, the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance launch brought forth some excellent dialogue regarding their goals of becoming an action oriented group as Ms. Rita Crooks, a Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, spoke about the 10th Annual Walk2Gether Michigan for Unity in the Community. The walk, which celebrates the spring season of new growth, draws thousands in the name of diversity and inclusion to Bell Isle, Michigan on May 16, 2010. It offers corporations, organizations, and individuals a great outing for a great cause.

The Dimension of Diversity Alliance hopes to help build upon these important events and causes that promote inclusion and togetherness throughout our Michigan community. In hosting the meetings quarterly, the DDA can create a platform for groups and individuals to share professional resources, unify goals, and form a strong enough interest on the subject of diversity and inclusion that we are able to change the world, or at least Michigan, for now!
At this time we would like to thank everyone who supported the first Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Meeting. We would also like to thank everyone from the PBS TV Show on Abilities, A Wider World, for filming the meeting and helping the DDA to promote their vision. Lastly, we would like to thank Glenda’s Garden Center of Novi for donating a $25.00 gift certificate that was raffled off at our launch!
-Jaclyn Kochis

Teaching Inclusion

When I was a child I did not hear much about diversity and inclusion. I was taught briefly about civil rights and the movement that provided me an integrated classroom. I was told about Martin Luther King and his fight to unify Americans of every race. By no means was I ignorant of the importance of loving my brother that I see everyday.
The thing that was not taught in the classrooms was about acceptance and embracing different cultures for who they are. I was told about history not how to make history. I often heard stereotypes and abrasive language that hurt myself and others. I remember being one of the only Black kids at a sleep-a-way camp.
A girl told me that my skin was dark because God burned me in the oven. This was said in the company of camp counselors and nothing was said to reprimand the young lady for her words. As I reflect on that situation I remember that we were only in the third grade. This young girl's behavior was a by-product of something that she was taught not something that she was born to think. The reason why schools hire me to come in and talk about inclusion is because it may not happen at home. It is everyone's responsibility to take captive negative thoughts and words to protect the kids of today. Take some time today to recognize any biases or stereotypes you may have absorbed. Have those behaviors been passed on from you to someone that you hold dear? The best place to start navigating damaging thoughts about others is to have a conversation and then apply action to change the mindset that this thought pool has come from. The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance is a group of many causes-but action is the key to making us successful.
-Read something great!

Two Ladies meet for Coffee...

Guest blogger Two Ladies meet for coffee…By: Jaclyn Kochis

The New York Times features a piece called “Coffee, the Daily Lift” in which they interview three New Yorkers about their daily routines and the role coffee plays in it. Similarly, I have the pleasure of telling a story about two ladies who took some time in their busy schedules to meet for coffee. Tara Michener and I had met through Chamber of Commerce meetings nearly a year ago. I immediately took to Tara because of her outgoing personality and friendly nature. She was someone who, after I would talk to, left me feeling as though I needed to go back to work and push myself a little harder—in short, she inspired me.

Even more, her mission to promote self-esteem and diversity seemed to match my vision at The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) where I work as the Director of Development and Public Relations. I found that what Tara promotes and what we promote at the MPVA is entirely parallel because we both strive to build awareness on issues of diversity and inclusion.

Thus, we began to schedule periodic meetings over coffee so that we could discuss our goals together. And, just after the first of the year, Tara and I set up another coffee meeting which led us to some exciting conclusions. First, we were both reminded of how powerful a simple “brainstorming session” could be.

Second, we both discussed how powerful a group of committed business men and women could be in discussing topics of diversity—basically we had just outlined the goals for The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance. You see, in just a short amount of time two ladies in a coffee shop were able to come up with a vision and set out to make it happen. While this happens every day, I think we tend to forget how influential people can be when they come together and support one another’s goals. That is why I am particularly excited to see what we are able to come together and create through The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance.

I have no doubt that we will surely demonstrate that greatness is achieved when our distinctly different minds collaborate towards one distinguished goal! I look forward to meeting you all on February 25, 2010 at 3:00 PM at The MPVA Chapter Headquarters located at 40500 Grand River Avenue in Novi.

The Wheel of diversity

When people think of diversity sometimes they just think of race. Diversity can be an array of characteristics that distinguish a person. I like to look at diversity in primary and secondary ways. Primary usually involves the things that you can see about a person just by looking at them. Secondary involves those things that you may not know until you open up dialogue and talk to them. Think about yourself for a second. What do you have in common with those around you by appearance? How about things that you have found out after you got to know the person? Once you take sometime to discover these different facets...share them with others. Diversity and inclusion begins with a great conversation! -Read something great

The business case for diversity

I'm typically asked why we need to focus on diversity in this day and age. I like to tell people that practicing diversity and inclusion is just like learning a new language. Have you ever learned to speak in a different tongue than your native one? It probably took lots of practice and focus to make sure that your diction and pronunciation made sense. Many times when people learn a new language they take it in steps and go from formal to conversational. Now think about this have you ever forgotten some of the key components of the language when you failed to practice repeatedly? Diversity is the same way. When we continue to focus on the positive aspects of diversity and inclusion and uplift it in our daily lives-we make a difference. When we decide that our work is done-it can unravel.
The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance has been created to remind us that when we work together we can accomplish our goals even faster and more effectively.
Hope to be able to communicate with you more in these blog posts and update you on our efforts!
-Read Something great!

Welcome and pass it on!

Thanks for stopping by our Diversity Dimensions blog! Today is the first day of our newly created forum and we are happy that you get to share it with us. This blog supports our mission to create alliances with those in the field of Diversity & Inclusion. It also is the home page and main online headquarters for the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance.
Tara Michener Industries, a children's book author that is an advocate for self-esteem and diversity and the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA), a non-profit, 501 (c) 3, organization that works to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease are the co-creators of this new alliance.
We want to get you excited about our goals so we will kick off the first post with a contest!

Doodle for Diversity
Would you like to be a Diversity Rockstar? Students from ages 5-18 can design a logo for our new alliance that is dedicated to Diversity and inclusion. We will unveil your design at a special ceremony and recognize you for your hardwork!
Send in your submissions to P.O. Box 530432 Livonia MI 48153
-Read something great!