DEPARTMENT: Employee Relations
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Recognition Of Diversity Celebration And Awareness Month In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Recognize the history, on-going contributions, and sustained impact made by diverse communities and cultures represented by residents and employees of Dakota County on an on-going, yearly schedule through monthly celebrations and awareness months.
SUMMARY
The County is dedicated to fostering a welcoming workplace that embraces diversity and maintains a culturally aware workforce reflective of the residents we serve in Dakota County. This commitment ensures the delivery of excellent service to all members of our community. As part of this effort, we aim to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within Dakota County and our workforce.
Diversity Celebration and Awareness Months provide us with an opportunity to honor the significant history and contributions of the various communities and cultures represented by our residents and employees. Each month is a time for reflection, learning, and raising awareness about the diversity that enriches our community.
The months highlighted in the following list each have a unique significance within our broader culture, with many being recognized through official government proclamations and celebrated in local, national, and international events. While we understand that it may not be feasible to acknowledge all diversity awareness months and days, the months listed below focus on groups that are underrepresented or underserved in Dakota County or have representation through an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at the County. Please note that requests for additions, removals, or modifications to this list can be considered in the future.
Dakota County proudly recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories and invaluable contributions of our residents and employees during these awareness months. Each designated month will be marked by county-wide celebrations and acknowledgments of these important contributions.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the Dakota County Board of Commissioners recognizes the following Diversity Celebration and Awareness months:
• February: Black History Month
• March: Women’s History Month
• April: Arab American Heritage Month, Hmong Heritage Month
• May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month
• June: LGBTQ Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month
• July: Disability Pride Month
• September: Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month
• November: Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month
Note: The above calendar mirrors that of state, national, and international recognition months. Therefore, it is unavoidable that some months will have multiple communities acknowledged and celebrated.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the County endeavors to maintain a workplace that is welcoming of diversity and a workforce that is culturally competent and reflective of the County population that we serve; and
WHEREAS, Diversity Celebration and Awareness Months are an opportunity for the County to recognize the important history and contributions of the County’s diverse residents and employees; and
WHEREAS, many County efforts help create a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible work environment for diverse Dakota County employees and their allies, as well as equip all employees to provide excellent public service to all residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes the recommended Diversity Celebration and Awareness Months and the contributions made by our diverse residents and employees of Dakota County.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Andy Benish
Author: Sky Jarvi