NPA Diversity Task Force Minutes
April 29, 2004

Attendees: Will Blackburn, Mike Wiggett, Barbara King, Jan Jones, Heather Gossel, Garnet Francesca, Okky Chung, Linda Hardesty, Diona Austill, Janet Fergen, Holly Johnson, Michelle Leaberry, Jean Reeder, Missy Stuart, Eduardo Casas, Larry Chandler, Kevin Dahl, Lori Dimmer, Bill Kemp, Beth Redlin, Sue Sorum. 

Dr. W. H. Blackburn opened the meeting and discussed briefly the purpose of the Diversity Task Force.  The Diversity Task Force was formed in 1992 to improve and change the quality of work/life and to assist in developing a more diverse workforce.

Barbara King then welcomed the group and noted that the theme of the meeting is “Moving Beyond Your Comfort Zone,” in learning about diversity and charting the course of the committee.  Barbara then gave an overview of the agenda.  Everyone then paired-off and interviewed each other, then took turns introducing their partner to the rest of the group.  The committee then began a thorough review, discussion, and editing of the Charter.  The discussion of the Charter continued up to lunch, and was taken-up again later in the afternoon.  The revised Charter was approved by the Task Force for review and approval by Dr. Blackburn.  During the lunch break, Barbara presented a brief presentation entitled “Diversity in the Northern Plains Area”, covering a definition of diversity, selected demographics in the eight-state region and in the NPA workforce, and condensed strategies on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.  The group then participated in an exercise on risk-taking/moving beyond comfort zones.

Following lunch, Dr. Deborah McGriff, Professor and Director, African American Studies Program, University of Wyoming presented a workshop “What is Diversity and Why Should I Care?”  Dr. McGriff’s presentation was open to all interested individuals, and was attended by the Task Force and about 30 other individuals.  Dr. McGriff’s presentation was very interactive and engaging, and started with Dr. McGriff noting that diversity encompasses culture, ethnicity, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and education, among many other aspects that together make everyone unique.  In response to the question of what are some of the positives of a diverse society and workforce, the audience noted the following: 
 
1.	Overall inclusiveness
2.	Lower crime rates
3.	Higher productivity
4.	Good community structure
5.	Higher self-esteem, positive effect
6.	Basis of democracy
7.	Good cultural environment
8.	People willing to do the right things
9.	Positive role models
10.	Strengthening of humanity

When diversity is not valued, people may experience the following:

1.	Isolation
2.	Discontentment 
3.	Lose out on Ideas
4.	Low Productivity
5.	Misunderstood
6.	Feelings of Insignificant or Purpose
7.	Anger

Diversity is important in all fields you work and socialize in, and she encouraged participants to  look at the world and appreciate all differences.  Dr. McGriff challenged participants to ask questions, and don’t base ideas on assumptions.  Finally, it is not about color, but about who you are as an individual.

After the presentation, the Task Force reconvened to finish the Charter, then members chose a sub-committee.  Four sub-committees were formed: 
  
1.	PR Committee 
•	Kevin Dahl
•	Beth Redlin (chair)
•	Diona Austill
•	Eduardo Casas

2.	Outreach Committee
•	Sue Sorum
•	Jean Reeder (chair)
•	Bill Kemp
•	Missy Stuart

3.   Enhancing Quality of Life/Job Satisfaction
•	Linda Hardesty
•	Lori Dimmer
•	Larry Chandler (chair)
•	Holly Johnson

4.  Diversity Day Celebrations Committee
•	Michelle Leaberry (chair)
•	Okky Chung
•	Janet Fergen

The sub-committees then met in groups and brainstormed what activities they would like to pursue in the coming year.  After about an hour of sub-committee work, Barbara called for nominations for Chair and Chair- Elect.  Okky Chung was nominated for Chair of the Diversity Task Force but declined.  Sue Sorum was then nominated and accepted and was selected by unanimous vote.  Nominations for Chair-Elect solicited only one nominee, Kevin Dahl, and Kevin was elected as Chair-Elect.

Before adjourning, Barbara led the Task Force in one final exercise in moving beyond comfort zones.  The purpose of that exercise was to remember that it’s always okay to ask for what you need or want.  

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Garnet Francesca

Minutes approved by Sue Sorum, Chair