I’d like to take a few moments to discuss some of what I’ll call “diversity matters”- and indeed, why diversity matters.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed both diversity and the lack of it- and without exception, diversity wins every time. Indeed, an organization with a culture that values and celebrates its members for the unique talents and skills they bring to the table serves as an incubator for fresh ideas from distinct perspectives that help all achieve their goals and chase their dreams.
Diverse. Inclusive. Better together. Not just nice ideas- it’s who and what our Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) should always be.
I firmly believe it’s the responsibility of any organization to serve it’s members “where they are”- through networking opportunities, educational/course offerings and pathways to leadership for every member who wishes to serve and is qualified to do so. Our association is no different.
As I seek the support of every ORRA member in my campaign to serve as your 2018 president-elect and 2019 president, I pledge the following:
1. I will do everything in my power to ensure ORRA is an association which fosters an environment where all members feel welcome. While race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status and other factors may prove divisive elsewhere, our association will be one which embraces diversity as the strength that it truly is.
2. Encouraging everyone to participate in the leadership and direction of our association will be a priority- and once members express an interest in advancing into leadership, I will work with staff and the rest of our current leadership team to afford that member every opportunity to do so.
3. While I am not in favor of quotas for ORRA’s committees, task forces and Board of Directors, it is critically important that our members are made aware of opportunities to serve in these areas- and that we do the best we can to ensure the composition of these reflects our membership. We must (and WILL under my leadership) be proactive in seeking new ways to increase member engagement overall- to be sure- including the engagement of folks who hail from traditionally marginalized communities.
4. We will work to enhance ORRA’s membership experience overall through better communications and better response times when members voice concerns. I will also do my part toward ensuring that “member experience” is the most welcoming it can possibly be- and my goals include course offerings in languages other than English, an improved ORRA website translated into languages other than English and additional ORRA staff to serve those whose primary language isn’t English.
Will you join me? Diversity. Inclusion. Better Together.
Vote DENNIS BURGESS 2018 ORRA President-Elect
Vote DENNIS BURGESS 2018 ORRA President-Elect 