Question: When did the Diversity Helpline become active? And how did it start?

Dr. Paul: The Helpline began in 1999 to provide a vast array of diversity information and referral services to all employees in the District.

Question: How can you contact the Helpline?

Dr. Paul: The Diversity Helpline can be reached by e-mail at:  diversity.helpline@domail.maricopa.edu or by telephone at:  (480) 731-8868.  The Diversity Helpline can also be reached through the Website of the Diversity Infusion Program (www.maricopa.edu/diversityinfusion).

Question: Why do you think the Helpline is important? How can people benefit from it?

Dr. Paul: The Helpline is enormously valuable because it enables people to ask questions, share information, and obtain resources from a wide array of sources.  For example, an instructor may want to know how to address a sensitive topic or how to diffuse a potentially emotional situation. Knowing that a controversial topic will be presented in class the instructor can learn ways of setting the groundwork for a productive and respectful conversation. When difficulties do arise, it is extremely valuable to have resources available to you to help turn the situation around.

The Diversity Helpline assists people in infusing diversity into their courses, teaching to a diverse student body, managing conflicts, finding resources for their courses and/or students, brainstorming ideas, connecting with mentors, and learning about opportunities (for faculty and students) to be involved with diversity initiatives.  In addition, the Helpline maintains a Speakers Bureau to provide contact information for people who have an expertise in various areas of diversity and are willing to be a guest speaker on those topics.

We also receive unusual requests.  For example, one person needed information on costumes for 18th century Irish step-dancing.  When this occurred we sent out a District-wide Helpline Search and received numerous responses providing information as well as an offer to lend costumes to the person making the inquiry. It’s amazing to learn the knowledge and resources that are all around us!

Question: Do a lot of people call the Helpline?

Dr. Paul: Although the Helpline is well used, many more people could certainly benefit from its services.  At this point in our society, it is important that we not only get the word out about the Helpline services, but even more fundamentally, about diversity in general.  I’ve heard and read about people who think “diversity is mere pretext for social engineering.”  This could not be further from the truth.  Diversity isn’t some insidious plot, it simply seeks to create an increased awareness, understanding, appreciation, and respect for all people.  The Diversity Infusion Program looks at all ways in which people may differ from one another, but it also emphasizes the importance of inclusiveness and examining similarities as well as differences.

Question : What would you wish for to happen in the future with the Helpline?

Dr. Paul:It would be great to see more employees use the Helpline.  There are so many wonderful opportunities and resources for learning including books, movies, and our own employees.  The Diversity Helpline can direct people to resources that could truly facilitate and enhance the academic experience and stimulate personal growth.  Students, staff, faculty, and  administrators can all benefit from learning more about how culture (in the broadest sense) shapes people and influences their behaviors, how people experience the world around them, and what makes people feel included.