Maximizing Our Strengths as an Inclusive Community

MOSAIC, (Maximizing Our Strengths as An Inclusive Community) is an interactive, fun and thought provoking series of diversity/inclusion workshops designed for all members of the Maricopa employee community.

The six four-hour sessions begin with basic concepts and understanding and moves respectfully to more challenging topics and exploration. Everyone is asked to complete all six sessions sequentially.

MOSAIC has been approved for Faculty Professional Growth.

One faculty participant stated, "This is not just another "diversity" seminar. It is a safe place to explore who we are as individuals, how we function in society, what we know about ourselves and others, as well as a place to acquire the tools for embodying the values of equity and inclusiveness in our lives. "

And a manager who scheduled a special request series for her staff provided the following feedback, "I could tell from the interaction and exchange that there was interest and enthusiasm among our staff in exploring the issues of inclusiveness and learning the multi-dimensional nuances of diversity. Never have I seen such an attentive audience listen to each other's story."

Over 200 employees from all policy groups attended at least one session in FY 2006, with attendance of more than 500 employees at the 36 sessions offered. Hosting sites included Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler-Gilbert, Glendale, South Mountain, Maricopa Skills Center and the District Office. The pilot was hosted at Gateway and Rio Salado.

MOSAIC was developed by the Employee and Organizational Learning Team as one component of an effective organizational diversity strategy. The curriculum, known in its development stages as the Developmental Diversity Curriculum, is the result of conversations with members of all policy, college and constituency groups, a review of historical documents and efforts, and an assessment of best practices in diversity and inclusion.

For more information, contact Jacque Starks, Coordinator Employee and Organizational Learning. 480.731.8974.