With a "charter" from the top of the organization, the Diversity Council is the forward-thinking group of employees who personally value diversity and express that very same company value through their participation and by serving as leaders and guides on issues of Diversity and Inclusion throughout the company.

Who best to take this role than committed, diverse employees who have the ear and participation of top company leaders as well as employees as they help to focus efforts and shine a spotlight on the many aspects today's diverse companies experience? Their efforts help move the company's values agenda forward.

With focused and realistic goals mirroring company values, employee leaders can make a difference in how successful their company is relative to these issues.  Goals and activities should be relevant, meaningful and measureable.

With support from diversity professionals within the company, Diversity Councils can make the most meaningful contribution to moving both Diversity and Inclusion forward.

In fact, the value placed on Diversity Councils by major corporations has led medium-sized companies and national and statewide non-profit organizations to develop them as well.

The most successful companies consider their Diversity Council a key component, along with Employee Resource Groups (also known as Employee Business Groups or Councils), to achieve their Diversity and Inclusion goals - a measure of company values and commitment and a Best Practice to be sure.

 Diane