Ask FERF about ... diversity training resources.

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 interactive theater, coaching intervention and needs assessment. CSW Global has delivered hundreds of programs for corporations worldwide, to every level of management and staff and at leading business schools, in and outside the U.S.

DiversityInc. -- www.diversityinc.com/

DiversityInc. offers a multidimensional Web site that includes diversity resources online (with access to certain information available by paid subscription only) and information about additional resources, such as books and conferences.

Besides publishing DiversityInc. magazine and various electronic newsletters, it is publisher of annual rankings of the "Top 50 Companies for Diversity."

Scottsdale National Gender Institute -- http://www.gendertraining.com/

Established in 1996 as the educational and training division of the National Association of Gender Diversity Training, the Scottsdale National Gender Institute provides consultation, professional certificate training programs, mentoring, coaching, program development, train-the-trainer programs and organizational development for executive management. It also offers elearning programs such as "Bridging Gender Differences," through its online Diversity Academy. The Scottsdale Institute's Web site provides links to its programs, newsletters and various articles.

Society for Human Resource Management -- www.shrm.org/

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), formerly called the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA), is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. It aims to advance the profession to ensure that HR is recognized as an essential partner in developing and executing organizational strategy.

SHRM serves its more than 190,000 members by providing essential and comprehensive resources through conferences, chapter programs, Web site resources and other initiatives. It also offers awards and scholarships, and has a government affairs program that anticipates and addresses regulations and legislation that affects the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM currently has more than 500 affiliated chapters throughout the U.S. and members in more than 100 countries.

Edith Orenstein ([e-mail]) is Manager of Research for Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF).

contributed by FERF