An organization is only as good as its culture—and building that culture is not only a role for Human Resources; it is the responsibility of every manager and employee. An organization’s leadership can create a supportive and engaging workplace by understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological processes that impact how people interact.

Other Voices Executive Program (OVEP) is designed to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.  Senior executives drive business results through the effective and efficient management of their workforce.  Research shows that diversity increases creativity and innovation, promotes higher quality decisions, and enhances economic growth.  Addressing diversity and inclusion is a competitive issue and a societal issue. Diversity is not a problem to be solved, but is an opportunity to be realized.

VISION

The vision of OVEP is to have diverse workplaces, free of inequities and biases; where employees feel valued and respected.  Recognizing that change starts at the executive level, senior executives of local organizations will leverage their individual and collective voices to advance diversity and inclusion in workplaces throughout Guilford County.

MISSION

OVEP will accomplish its mission by engaging senior executives to:

1. educate themselves about local, regional, and national history with racism and the impacts that exist in the current environment;
2. examine racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression in the workplace and among their peers at other organizations;
3. address interactions between different races throughout their organization;
4. address the structural issues that lead to racial inequality and injustice; and
5. spring into action by building an inclusive, liberated, collaborative organization.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Successful completion of OVEP includes participation in five sessions, August through December, and a closing reception. A program committee, working with a professional facilitator, plans each session.  Program goals are accomplished through a series of videos, readings, interactive exercises, creative and courageous dialogue among participants, and panels to include subject matter experts.

INVESTMENT

The investment (tuition) for OVEP is $1000 for Chamber members and non-profits, and $1500 for all other individuals.  Payment is due prior to the beginning of the program.