Cathy Liska When it comes to ensuring diversity and inclusion / regard, a call or mandate to action is often what it takes to effect change. There is sometimes a fear that this results in engaging people solely because they are identified with a specific group. Consider the other approach: simply using language and images that invite diversity and truly being open and accepting so that the diversity occurs naturally. We found this to be our experience at the Center for Coaching Certification.
As is recommended, when seeking to step up to the challenge to increase diversity, we started by looking at ourselves. We are excited to say we feel good about the language and images we use on the website and our social media pages. Of course, we want to continually improve so when we receive emails pointing out a mistake or with a suggestion, we review it and make changes as appropriate.
Another exciting thing we are pleased to notice is the diversity on our team – especially because it occurred naturally. When we look at our team, we see people of different nationalities and colors, plus our team include people who are part of the LBGT and people with disabilities communities. The funny thing is, we simply built our team and work together.
Since 2011 we have published a book each year, Coaching Perspectives, with chapters written by graduates. The coach authors are themselves a diverse group. The chapters also speak to increasing diversity and access to coaching with topics including Coaching Inmates, Coaching Millennials, ADD / ADHD Coaching, Coaching Through Mental Health Challenges, The Culturally Competent Coach, and Trauma Coaching.
One more thing we are happy to see is that the free webinars we offer help meet the challenge of increasing access to coaching. One example is the upcoming free webinar “Use your coaching skills to change the world of work!” The focus is a nonprofit organization that is inviting coaches to volunteer to serve individuals in the work place who otherwise do not have access to the support of a coach.
A great find: Many of our team members offer coaching at discounted rates or for free to individuals who do not otherwise have access to coaching.
When we are open and accepting of all and interested in serving, diversity occurs naturally and opportunities to increase access to coaching are a natural element of our efforts.
