PeoPle of

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People of strength.

People of

substance. p ro jec t di v ersi t y

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way’s PRoject The Complexion Of Columbus Is Changing According to recent census data, the Columbus area is becoming increasingly more diverse with a rising number of new Americans, and an increase in Asian American, African American, and Latino/Hispanic populations within the last decade.

At United Way of Central Ohio, we know from experience that the best solutions are crafted by diverse groups with members who possess unique perspectives and approaches. That’s what led us to launch Project Diversity in 1989. Project Diversity, supported by Grange Insurance, is an initiative designed to develop leaders within minority communities for service on nonprofit boards and committees.

Great Leaders Are In The Minority Great leaders don’t come along every day. And although the notion of “born leaders” is appealing, most people develop their leadership abilities through a combination of experience, vision, empathy and training.

Project Diversity equips people of color with the tools necessary to expand their leadership skills, so they can offer perspectives in policy-making situations that might not otherwise be heard. In effect, it gives a voice to minority community members who care deeply and want to make a difference.

The need in our community • In 1990, 15.9 percent of the population in Franklin County was African American.

This figure increased to 17.9 percent in 2000 – an increase of 38,000 individuals within 10 years, or a 25 percent increase.

• From 2000 to 2005, the percentage of the African American, Asian American and Hispanic population increased as Franklin County grew more racially and ethnically diverse.

• The number of diverse populations served by nonprofit organizations continues to increase.

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Making Room At The Board Room Table Project Diversity provides lectures, hands-on workshops and other activities to help people of color enhance their board leadership skills. Program participants not only gain knowledge and skills, but they also build confidence. With training focused on organizational planning, leading through conflict, fundraising, fiscal management, parliamentary procedures and more, Project Diversity prepares minority professionals to take a seat at board room tables across central Ohio.

The Results of Leadership To date, Project Diversity has completed 17 cycles of workshops with over 300 program alumni who are currently or have previously served in leadership positions throughout central Ohio. These decision makers continue to address the challenges and help create lasting change in our community.

You can make a difference. we hope to raise $50,000 to benefit minority professionals by providing them with the tools necessary to expand their Board leadership skills.

If you believe, as we do, that the leadership of our community needs to reflect all facets of central Ohio’s population, then please invest in United Way’s Project Diversity initiative.

We know our minority community has tremendous, untapped leadership potential and deserves to have a greater role in decisions that are made in central Ohio. With your investment we can give people the voice they need and the future they deserve.

Join us. Invest your money, use your voice, volunteer your time to give underrepresented communities a voice in central Ohio.

360 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-5485 • Tel 614.222.2700 Fax 614.224.5435 TTY 614.227.2710