Ask FERF about ... diversity training resources.

• Author: Orenstein, Edith
• Position: Financial Executives Research Foundation

An article appearing on page 22, "The Business Case for Diversity," offers a four-pronged approach that companies can follow for implementing diversity programs. It also provides examples of best practices and pitfalls to avoid. Additional information below provides a list of organizations that offer diversity training and additional resources.

This is given to assist companies in their implementation efforts. Please note, Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF) expresses no opinion on the organizations listed. Also, the list is not exhaustive; organizations are listed alphabetically.

Catalyst -- www.catalystwomen.org/

Catalyst's mission is to work with businesses and the professions to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women at work. As an independent, nonprofit membership organization, Catalyst uses a solutions-oriented approach that has earned the confidence of business leaders around the world.

Catalyst conducts research on all aspects of women's career advancement and provides strategic and Web-based consulting services on a global basis to help companies and firms advance women and build inclusive work environments. In addition, it honors what it deems "exemplary business initiatives that promote women's leadership" with its annual Catalyst Award. With offices in New York, San Jose and Toronto, Catalyst is consistently ranked No. 1 among U.S. nonprofits focused on women's issues by The American Institute of Philanthropy.

The Conference Board -- www.conference-board.org/

The Conference Board creates and disseminates knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society.

The Conference Board hosts over 100 affinity groups called "councils," including a numerous councils under the Human Resources umbrella. Several relate specifically to diversity, such as the Council of Diversity Executives. There are membership eligibility requirements (related to the position members hold in their companies) and requirements for sponsoring companies to be associate members of The Conference Board, in addition to membership dues per council.

CSW Global -- www.cswglobal.com/

Founded in 1990, CSW Global specializes in custom-designed services addressing diversity, workplace harassment, cross-cultural awareness, change management and conflict resolution.

CSW Global has developed a unique and customized approach to training and consulting, incorporating...