A Thought on Community
After 14 years of rebuilding Public Broadcasting Atlanta, we discovered our real purpose. We learned it was not about just doing things right, as in providing outstanding educational services, trusted information and great cultural programs, but doing the right things like insuring that our services added value to our community.
Our vision statement became our reason for existence. It reads:
Communication is the foundation of civilization. It is the path by which knowledge, understanding, discourse and values are achieved, nurtured and passed down. We envision our communities as informed, energetic, engaged and with a pervasive sense of interconnectedness to each other and to the world. And we believe that our role as a trusted enabler of communication is fundamental in building the beloved community to which we aspire.
When you get to the basics, it’s all about an interdependent community and how that community communicates with itself. To fulfill our vision, we must keep in tune with our constantly changing marketplace and its demographics. And, we must create a new set of communication resources and platforms that will weave our organization into the fabric of our communities.
The concept we believe in, which provides these resources, is called Lens on Atlanta. Lens is an interactive media service based on the belief that in every citizen there is a fundamental need to engage and communicate with others to seek a common purpose.
I believe that the majority of our country, state and city problems can be solved at the community level, if given the right tools and voice. This belief is actually the foundation of our democratic process. Thomas Jefferson said, and I quote: “I know no safer depository of the ultimate powers of the society, but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it away from them, but to help their discretion.”
Remember “we the people?” Well, Lens gives the people with a passion for change the tools, to participate in the political and social environments that affect our lives, our sense of shared values and our need to connect to one another. Lens on Atlanta gives everyone a voice.
Additionally, one of the most important tools all communities must have to participate effectively is the ability to access accurate and timely information, and the reliable interactive platform to communicate. Lens is that platform. Lens enables members of metro Atlanta to connect with each other and with regional leadership to discuss topics of interest, find answers, solve problems, create positive change, communicate effectively and create new vibrant communities.
The way we think about diversity can be considered flawed, polarizing, ineffective, and inefficient and it can even be expensive.
We allow diversity to be defined by the forces of most resistance - bigotry, racism and sexism. It is often perceived as what we must deal with rather than a process in which we see benefit and value.
Instead of maximizing on our diversity of thought, we choose to narrowly cast our ideas, beliefs, and concepts. And, what’s the result? Social and workplace inefficiencies that create barriers that limit the vast array of human resources, and consequently, prevent our country from reaching its full potential.
When we fail at seeing the social, strategic and economic benefits of diversity, we minimize our abilities, limit our scope, and polarize our organizations and communities. When this happens, we end up losing valuable opportunities to advance businesses and our society. Even worse, profits are consumed in often paying millions of dollars in discrimination lawsuits.
If America is going to reach its full potential, we must learn to maximize our kaleidoscope of human capabilities.
Organizations that understand and utilize the benefits of diversity actually excel and usually out perform those organizations that don’t.
And, so go communities that embrace their diversity -- they tend to be more vibrant and productive. They excel because diversity enhances their collective resources. Individuals become positive contributors to their communities, workplace and society, while expanding their experiences and educational base. It creates workplace bonds, new opportunities and encourages innovation that challenges old boundaries and establishes new horizons. Diversity further allows teams of people to find better solutions rather than by brilliant individuals working alone.
Diversity must become an important element within the overall strategy for hiring at all staffing levels. Organizations that embrace diversity will be recognized as valued corporate citizens within the communities they serve. The end result we proclaim is: diverse thinking leads to a diverse staff. A diverse staff leads to diverse services and innovation. And all lead to expanded abilities to increased revenues and funding.
The rapidity of technological changes requires us to re-evaluate how we deliver our messages, and the changing demographics will also require us to re-evaluate to whom we are delivering our message. The browning of America is a clarion call to examine our ability to understand the dynamics of the changing consumer. Organizations that see the value in preparing for this demographic shift will be in a better position to prosper.
Diversity should be a primary core value of every institution. Businesses should weave diversity into every fiber of their structures and be utilized as a vital tool for market positioning and revenue growth. Its assets will help strengthen American industries; enhance our communities; help prepare our children to better understand themselves; appreciate the contributions of others and enable all of our citizens to enhance our democracy.
