“At ACT, we work hard to level the playing field for everyone, regardless of needs, backgrounds, or resources,” said ACT CEO Marten Roorda. “Our commitment to diversity and inclusion applies internally and externally. I’m proud to support CEO Action in addressing these important issues that affect us all.”
The CEO Action coalition announced three key actions:
- Launching the new “Check Your Blind Spots" unconscious bias mobile tour, which will make 100 stops across the country and engage one million people.
- Initiating the "I Act On" pledge for individuals to commit to mitigating any unconscious biases, and act on encouraging more inclusive behaviors in their everyday lives.
- Organizing a "Day of Understanding" in which organizations, including ACT, will hold a day of candid conversations to help people embrace differences.
ACT is actively contributing to the CEO Action network by sharing its best practices and learning from the successes of other organizations. Consistent with these cooperative activities, ACT recently introduced three diversity and inclusion initiatives:
- One-on-one conversations with every team member, from every background, to discuss what motivates them and how best to develop and support their diverse talents, interests and abilities.
- Monthly celebrations that highlight the many cultures and personal characteristics present at ACT, and that explore how those differences help ACT fulfill its mission.
- A program through which team members learn how biases can affect their work and the work of ACT. Team members are given tips to mitigate biases that may exist.
The member companies of the CEO Action coalition employ more than 12 million people. Research indicates 78 percent of Americans want companies to address social justice issues. The conference is an opportunity for CEOs to learn from fellow leaders, and to gather ideas than can drive progress within their organizations around diversity and inclusion.
For more information about the initiatives, visit ceoaction.com.
