PRESIDENT’S VIEW
A Strategic Approach to DEI BY ROBERT WHITE
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’m excited to share a glimpse at some of the forthcoming plans we have in place for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the state level. At the direction of our NJ Realtors® Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity Committee, we’ve set in motion several projects that keep fair housing and diversity top of mind for all of 2022. We’ve crafted a strategic plan to provide education, awareness, and resources on fair housing and diversity to our members, local boards, and the general public. First, we’ll capitalize on some of the ongoing projects that are already established: • Work with industry partners Freddie Mac and the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Industry to further expand our Affordable Lending Initative • Promote the availability of deeply impactful educational sessions such as At Home with Diversity, implicit bias training, and Fairhaven. • Sustain our relationships with multicultural organizations (i.e. AREAA, NAREB, NAHREP, LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.) • Engage brokers, owners, and managers specifically. • Continue promotion and involvement with SPIRE, NAR’s mentorship program.
4 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | March/April 2022
• Continue to raise awareness for the World of Hope and Unity Scholarship from the New Jersey Realtors® Educational Foundation. Second, we’ll look to expand our reach with new projects: • Inviting national speakers to educate membership on specific data that impacts bias • Hosting a slew of educational sessions focusing on Fair Housing Month and Pride Month • Seeking opportunities to partner with other associations who are hosting DEI summits or events. • Hosting a youth art contest that focuses on fair housing and diversity • Identifying legislative opportunities where work can be done to limit bias and barriers • Train local boards and associations on NAR’s Actionable Roadmap for Local Associations Diversity and Inclusion • Increase member awareness and engagement of programs and educational efforts We hope this is just the start and we’ll have even more to share with you as the year progresses. I’m excited to get started and hope you’ll continue to be engaged on this topic and help us as we continue learning and growing.
