The Diversity Myth
As we become more aware of the need to reach our increasingly diverse communities with preparedness, many emergency response agencies try to recruit culturally and ethnically diverse workforces to achieve this. This diversity of staff is, of course, a desirable goal, but it does not – by itself – address the key issues and barriers faced by members of many special needs and minority groups. Lack of financial resources; mistrust of large or unfamiliar organizations; inability to cope with fear- and threat-based messages: these and a host of other concerns need to be addressed specifically. Look for ways to actively address these critical concerns – don’t passively depend on workforce “diversity” to do it for you!
