“Success Through Diversity”
By Butch Leiber
You’re a REALTOR®. You care about your clients. You care about people. But when someone mentions DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion – you may roll your eyes and get ready to complain about why DEI doesn’t work, or why it should not play a role in real estate. Where’s the disconnect?
Despite fair housing laws that protect against discrimination in housing, people from many protected – and unprotected groups – are discriminated against regularly.
“I don’t want to rent my house to people with kids.”
“You don’t want to live in THAT neighborhood.”
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable closer to . . .”
“Too many ________ in that neighborhood.”
Sometimes it’s subtle, and sometimes it’s not. Either way, it’s illegal. And discussing the issues can get challenging even for the most open minded individual. On October 23rd, AAR will be presenting the third annual “Success Through Diversity” event. Our first two events were extremely successful and featured speakers discussing DEI related issues. The feedback was very positive, but members asked for more information on what to say, and how to say it, when they see people being treated unfairly and with inequity.
This year’s event is designed to be highly interactive. We’ll start with a Fair Housing CE class, led by the extraordinary Theresa Barnabei about working with people who might see the world differently than you. Attendees will learn to be more aware of our differences and our similarities and how to be more effective working in a diverse world.
The evening event will be an interactive discussion led by Alexis Richardson with “Headway Science-based DEI Solutions” and, even if you’re someone who rolls their eyes at any mention of DEI, this is for you. We’ll be discussing why traditional DEI training doesn’t work, embracing constructive correction, and avoiding DEI burnout.
While you may be of the opinion that DEI should not be a focus of a REALTOR® trade association, discussions about discrimination and fair housing are relevant to our mission, especially when violations can be prosecuted by way of criminal charges. This event was crafted to ensure all voices are heard in the conversation and all perspectives are addressed. Please register today and join us. https://arizonaar.swoogo.com/DEI2024