As we discovered in our learning activities for Week 2, the topic of diversity is a mainstay in life. Organizations and individuals both work to educate those around on the value of understanding and embracing diversity with the hopes of ensuring the underrepresented received equal opportunities, fair treatment, and experience inclusive environments. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are independent concepts, but many believe to truly commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), all three must be successfully attained and sustained.

Diversity brings together the various characteristics of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, cast, socio-economic status, cognitive abilities, etc. but this is often where it stops for many. A diverse organization does not mean it is inclusive or equitable in the treatment of their employees.

Some of the underserved and underrepresented groups we have seen as the subject of articles, news, and social media are, but not limited to, the following: former felons, LGBTQ, Asian American, Hispanic, neurodiverse groups, law enforcement, veterans, Black African Americans, Arab Americans, long-term unemployed, just to name a few.

Some of the social movements that have brought attention for the need to strengthen an organization's DEI programs include MAD Pride (users of mental health services), Men's Rights Movement, Me Too Movement, Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, and Blue Lives Matter,

Choose one of the following options. For each option, except Option 3, you will need to select a group or movement to be the focus.

Option 1: Develop a diversity initiative for your organization that targets your chosen group. In your learning material for Week 2, you will find a discussion on creating a diversity initiative, as well as provide you some examples of initiatives. Questions to answer: 1) history and treatment of chosen population 2) the value to organizations by increasing their DE&I efforts, and why this population and initiative is key to the success of the organization 3) detailed description of the initiative and 4) how you will be able to determine the success of the initiative.

Option 2: Develop a case study for your chosen group. The elements you will include are an introduction, background, literature review (minimum of 5 sources reviewed**), assessment/evaluation of your research, recommendations, and conclusion. DO NOT forget to make sure you tie it to the course objectives. One place that would be great do this in is your summary and recommendations where you would discuss the benefits of the information to information to the organization and HR, to support a diversity initiative, etc. -- just make sure you do tie to the course content.

Option 3: Conduct a DE&I audit for your chosen organization. An audit includes the assessment of the organization's leadership, culture, policies, and procedures/practices for legal compliance with equal opportunity laws, as well as analyzing specific ways the same support or act as barriers. The parts of your paper include the introduction, brief organizational background, your audit, and a summary and recommendations.