Recently I had a discussion with one of my closest friends who happens to be black regarding the racial tension that has prevailed in places all across the United States because of police and citizen actions, interactions and reactions. In our discussion we agreed that no one should purport to know all the reasons why the conditions were evident to result in violence and deaths. That they occurred is a fact. The reasons behind them may never be fully known but we do know they are deeply rooted and even historical in some cases. What we mostly took from our conversation is that ignorance is a prevaling problem. Lack of communication, poor avenues for expression and the inattention to our youth has created a vitriolic chasm that is fueling disenfranchised individuals.
In our discussion we were aware that we bring our personal biases and experiences to address the matters we saw. We make at first an emotional judgment and eventually move to the intellectual part of the argument. It was our collective hope that we all recognize the greatness of this country is solidly rooted in our forefathers ability to promote our differences as we reached for an enlightened political experience.
As administrators in government settings we attempt to understand the reasons behind negative procurement perceptions and events and what can be done to stop or mitigate them in the future. We have evolved tools to measure and plan improvements where we see failures. In my role as the Diversity Chair for the NIGP Diversity Council I have a minute amount of influence in the tone we take with respect to NIGP's eventual actions regarding diversity matters. I am proud to be part of an organization that promotes and supports the interaction of ideas concerning the wide spectrum of diversity issues. As a group we hope to include the voices of all the membership in how we present our suggestions. We do not shy away from controversy. We do however understand that the role of all good advisory council is to generate ideas and hope that amongst them is one or part of one that stimulates the spirit and ideals of those we serve. We therefore encourage and continue to open more and more lines of communication.
As many of us understand, the glass house we live in is both fragile and transparent from every angle. What we parade as ideas and actions will be scrutinized; let's always remember that as we make decisions on all levels. As we represent public procurement let us remember that diversity greatly matters now more than ever as we are at a point of social development in our great country. Ask yourself, do we digress or move forward? I hope we all choose to move forward in a constructive and positive progression regarding all diversity issues and its natural interplay with society.