Diversity Consciousness – My Top 5 for 2010, listed in no particular order:

One. A team composed of representatives from Southwest Airlines, Philadelphia International, and child development specialists in the Philadelphia area. People with autism find it very difficult to deviate from their routine. Hence, taking an airplane (remember the Movie “Rainman?”) can be very traumatic. This team got together for the benefit of children with autism. They simulated air travel, including waiting in line, checking bags, clearing security, waiting at the gate, and boarding. Having this experience will make it easier for these children to travel, now or in the future. By the way, this team volunteered their time for this project, and more sessions are planned.
Two. A trip by a small group of Muslim leaders. These 8 Imans, who have a sizable following in the American Muslim community, took a week-long trip to Dachau and Auschwitz, to gain a clearer picture of the Holocaust. Rather than just rely on what they have been told about the Holocaust, the Imans understood the importance of visiting these Nazi concentration camps and talking to Holocaust survivors. So, together with a delegation of Jewish leaders, they made the trip. After this emotional, eye-opening journey, the Imans issued the following statement: “We condemn any attempts to deny this historical reality and declare any such denials or any justification of this tragedy as against the Islamic code of ethics.”
Three: Virginia Tech’s new program. A small but growing number of colleges view diversity as a rigorous academic field of study. As an example, faculty at Virginia Tech are currently developing a new, interdisciplinary concentration in diversity and assessment. For too long, people with marginal qualifications have declared themselves “diversity experts.” Given the knowledge base and skill-set professionals need to deal with this complex and difficult subject. a general background in business, psychology, or even sociology is not adequate to say the least.
Four: A promising, new online outreach campaign by the Mormon Church. Not surprisingly, many Americans make false and negative assumptions about Mormons (just ask Mitt Romney); that is, until they get to know someone who is Mormon. The same could be said of our thinking about Muslims, gays and lesbians, and the list goes on and on. With this idea in mind, the Mormon church has begun a new outreach campaign, online. It’s goal? To help more and more people in the U.S. to get to “know a Mormon.” It will be worthwhile to track this initiative in the years ahead.
Five: .The outpouring of support for gay and lesbian, transgender, and bisexual individuals. In the span of five weeks, five teens committed suicide after enduring humiliation, harassment, and isolation due to their sexual orientation. The response has gone far beyond gay activists and organizations. A diverse range of celebs, government officials, and educators have spoken out. Support groups have taken to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to make the public more aware of hotlines and lifelines, LGBT-friendly therapists, and other sources of support. New initiatives, such as It Gets Better Project, allows milennials and other YouTube users to share their struggles and empower others. And finally, laws are being reexamined, particularly with regard to cyberbullying.