Welcome to the CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Web site

• History of CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee

• Mission, Vision & Goals of CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee

• James W. Rouse Diversity Award:  CALL FOR 2010 NOMINATIONS

HISTORY OF CHRA DIVERSITY and INCLUSION COMMITTEE:

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was established to oversee the management of the annual James W. Rouse Excellence in Diversity Awards Program. The Diversity Awards Program, originated by the CHRA, awards member organizations on an annual basis who exemplify world-class leadership in their efforts to promote diversity through programs and initiatives.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee, under its current leadership of Myneca Ojo, has broaden the scope of its mission to promote diversity by acting as a resource to share information, resources, and opportunities. 

MISSION:

The CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee, is a professional group open to diversity practitioners, consultants, students and affiliated businesses who support the goals of diversity of the Chesapeake Human Resources Association (CHRA).  The Diversity and Inclusion Committee sponsors the annual CHRA James W. Rouse Diversity Awards Program, which recognizes the accomplishments of organizations in the field of diversity. In addition, the Committee’s goals are to provide Human Resources practitioners a vessel to share information, resources, and opportunities in the area of diversity to further strengthen their skills and expertise.

Current Committee members are drawn from the CHRA membership, and from all aspects of the Human Resources field: employment, employee relations, organizational development, training, benefits, compensation, labor relations, work and family programs, EEO/AAP, employee assistance and human resources information systems.  Other professionals are invited to join and expand their expertise in the various Diversity areas.

VISION:

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee shares a vision of the Chesapeake Human Resources Association, (CHRA) as a premier human resources membership and networking organization that mirrors the customers it’s members serve. To introduce and maintain quality and informative programs and information sharing that will increase awareness, further educate and recognize the value of diversity in its members and customers.

GOALS:

• provide a world-class Diversity Awards Program;
• provide a resource of information in area of Diversity;
• promote an awareness and education of Diversity;
• communicate the CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Mission and Goals; and
• assist in maintaining a diverse membership for CHRA as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
   

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

CHRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee Membership

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
(MS Word forms available)

The Chesapeake Human Resources Association

Announces the 2010 James W. Rouse Diversity Award

James W. Rouse Diversity Award
Submit Nominations by May 14, 2010

• The James R. Rouse Diversity Award
• Eligibility
• Categories
• Selection Criteria
• Examples of Winning Initiatives
• Nomination Process
• Nomination Form

     Has your organization developed some innovative
practices to help increase and leverage diversity? 

Would you like to receive peer recognition

for your diversity efforts and accomplishments?

The James W. Rouse Diversity Award

The CHRA Board of Directors established this Award in 1996 to honor the late James W. Rouse, whose vision of building a better way to live and work through diversity was embodied in the many urban redevelopment programs for which he is nationally known. This Award is presented annually to CHRA member organizations in recognition for their creative and innovative strategies that are in place to promote and advance the concept and spirit of diversity and inclusion.

 Eligibility

CHRA member organizations that demonstrate a commitment to promoting a diverse, healthy workplace are eligible for nomination for the award, so long as you have not received it within the last five years.

 Categories

There are three (3) categories in which companies may apply:

• Small Companies=under 100 employees
• Mid Size Companies=from 101 up to 500 employees
• Large Companies=more than 500 employees

Selection Criteria

For purposes of the award selection process, diversity and inclusion initiatives are defined as organizational programs, activities and efforts designed to promote and support differences in people and society, that may include race and ethnic origin; gender, physical abilities, religious beliefs, age, education, sexual orientation and/or other perceived differences.

Applicants must address as many of the following areas as possible:

• Any on-going diversity efforts or programs that promotes diversity and inclusiveness; or
  
  
• A one-time effort or program that promotes diversity and inclusiveness;
  
  
• Examples of senior management support;
  
  
• An outline of defined goals, actions steps and accomplishments toward achieving a work environment that recognizes, promotes and encourages a diverse workforce at all levels throughout an organization

 Examples of winning initiatives include:

 Accountability

Innovative internal programs and/or systems that define management's role in promoting diversity related issues.

Demonstrated CEO and executive leadership commitment and support of diversity and related programs through a linkage of a strategic business plan. Initiatives to measure data collection comparisons.

Recruitment and Retention

Innovative programs or initiatives designed to attract, select, promote and retain qualified minorities, women, and differently-abled individuals in the workforce.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Special efforts in place to prepare and develop minorities, women, and/or differently-abled individuals for senior level positions, examples include: Mentoring, Career Coaching and Counseling; Formalized Succession Planning and/or employee-sponsored professional networks.

Organizational development and training programs in place for the purpose of professional growth; Training encouraging participation by minorities, women, and/or differently-abled individuals to excel at management levels.

Available diversity training to educate, sensitize and familiarize employees at all levels of the many differences and similarities in our society.

Educational opportunities and programs available to motivate, encourage and support minorities, women and others in achieving higher educational degrees, certificates, etc., both technical or non-technical fields.

Community-based outreach programs and efforts, which promote diversity through the participation of minorities, women and others, one such example include the Executive On-Loan Program.

 Nomination Process:

1.) Please click here for nomination form.

2.) Print and complete form.

3.) Attach a description of the diversity initiative(s) that warrant recognition.

4.) Send Mail-in form to:

Myneca Ojo
State Highway Administration
707 N. Calvert St., C-603
Baltimore, MD 21202

5.) Submit Nominations by May 14, 2010.

720 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
TEL: (410) 752-3318• FAX: (410) 752-8295
EMAIL: CHRA@assnhqtrs.com