Thursday, March 11, 2010

“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!

Monday, March 8, 2010

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!

Monday, March 1, 2010

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