Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee - Howard County Association of REALTORS®

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within HCAR and the communities we serve by promoting equal opportunity and cultural diversity within the association's membership engagement and leadership recruitment. The committee will create initiatives and make recommendations to the Board of Directors to encourage an association culture that embraces and celebrates our differences.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. Diversity brings together ideas from people of varying backgrounds and experiences in order to grasp a fuller, broader range of thoughts, feelings, and interactions among members of a community. Diversity means representation.

Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. It is when everyone has access to the opportunities necessary to satisfy their essential needs, advance their well-being, and achieve their full potential. Equity does not mean everyone receives the same, but rather that everyone has the same access to shared resources. Equity means access.

Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It means everyone can participate and everyone belongs. Inclusion recognizes our universal similarities and interdependence. despite our differences. Inclusion means belonging.

CHAIR: Cleaveland Smith

VICE CHAIR: Carlton Stephenson

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: Jimmie Jennings

STAFF LIAISON: Mecca Dickens

To contact or join an HCAR committee, please submit a request.

The Howard County Association of REALTORS® is committed to the advancement and investment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The HCAR DEI Committee has recently completed a DEI Pledge initiative for all HCAR members who wish to pledge their support to inclusivity and equality in the real estate profession.

While this is optional, please read the pledge and indicate whether you pledge to adhere to these promises in your business.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

The Agents of Change Program is an HCAR designation that is to be given to those agents who go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The program features two levels:

Level One "Ruby" - This is for anyone who has completed the three academic certifications:
- The At Home with Diversity® (AHWD) certification course
- NAR's Fairhaven fair housing simulation
- NAR's Implicit Bias Training

Level Two "Diamond" - Those who have completed the Ruby Level, as well as 60 hours of community volunteer hours (within 1 year).

*This is an in-house HCAR designation. It is used for recognition of HCAR members who go above and beyond only and is not affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®.*

Have you completed all of the required training elements?

Agent of Change - Ruby Level Application Agent of Change - Diamond Level Application Agents of Change FAQ