Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It’s a hot topic worldwide. It’s ironic that talking about inclusion divides so much!
BNI believes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This belief goes back years and comes directly from our founder, Dr Ivan Misner. As a global organisation with members of all races, colour, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ages and disability types, we have the opportunity to lead the way, so that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unites us rather than divides us.
This Education Moment isn’t “telling” members why they must be more inclusive. It’s about how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can improve and future proof our businesses.
I’m sure when you read through this Education, taken (by permission) from one presented recently to her chapter by Christel Maurer from BNI Silverdale, you’ll be impressed, and enjoy how clearly it informs and educates about Diversity, Equity and Education without judgement or it feeling like a lecture.
To hear directly from Dr Misner, listen to these BNI Podcasts:
Episode 672: Being intentional about Diversity https://www.bnipodcast.com/2020/09/09/being-intentional-about-diversity/
Episode 694: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. https://www.bnipodcast.com/2021/02/17/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
Episode 763: Global Diversity https://www.bnipodcast.com/2022/06/22/episode-763-global-diversity/
Isn’t New Zealand great?
Aotearoa is probably the most inclusive country in the world!
It shows in our stats:
•In 2018, 28% of the NZ population was born overseas.
•NZ was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
•Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013.
•We’ve had 3 female prime ministers over the years.
•Georgina Beyer was the first openly transgender mayor in 1995.
•We have openly LGBTQ+ sports people and political leaders.
•The 2019 Christchurch shootings were followed by huge demonstrations of support towards the Muslim community.
•The 2023 Census is the first where we’ve been asked about our sexual orientation.
But not everything is rosy:
We need more Diversity, more Equity and more Inclusion for everyone.
But first – What are we talking about exactly?
•Diversity is a fact – the existence of people of different races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and disabilities, religions etc.
•Equity is what we do about it. Equity treats people differently acknowledging their different needs. (Different to equality which treats everyone the same regardless of their needs, hoping that they will achieve the same outcome – both promote fairness)
•Inclusion is the result we achieve – this feeling that everyone gets that they are valued for who they are.
Why it is important for BNI and for your Business
•Improve company and chapter performance.
•Access a wider customer base.
•Enjoy more creativity and better decision-making.
•Make a positive contribution to the community.
•Access a wider employee and BNI member pool.
•Have a higher retention and sense of belonging.
•Prove SEO and ad performance.
What can we do?
•Recruiting (staff, clients and BNI members) from a diverse background.
•Ensuring equal pay & opportunities.
•Offering flexible working arrangements & parental leave.
•Representing diversity across our communication channels.
•Normalising the use of te reo Māori.
•Using inclusive pronouns for people who request them.
•Making our offices and websites accessible to disabled people.
•Celebrating diverse holidays.
•Offering events that are relevant to a diverse group of people.
Ask the group – any other ideas?
Our Statement on Equality and Non-Discrimination
BNI has been at the forefront of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a long time. Dr Misner has written often and spoken often about it. As a global organisation, we naturally have a wide range of members.
The BNI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel recently updated BNI’s statement on Equality and Non-discrimination. It says:
BNI requires that BNI Chapters review and select candidates for BNI Membership without discriminating on the basis of race, colour, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. BNI will not support actions by a Chapter in violation of this statement.
This is a powerful statement, it is grounded by the fact that we build a stronger, more robust and more effective network when we broaden our horizons.
Have a think about how inclusive your business & our chapter is (from outside the chapter looking in) and think about 2-3 things which we can do to be more inclusive.
