It is projected that between 1999 and 2116, the aboriginal population will grow by 57%. Visible minorities make up 11% of Winnipeg's population. Why is this information significant as we recruit workers - both paid and volunteer?

Promoting "inclusion" and "diversity" has many benefits including:
- access to new creative and innovative approaches to decision making
- access to a broader pool of volunteers from which to recruit
- increased knowledge of clients, patients, participants
- possible political and financial support from the multicultural community

To experience these benefits, we must discontinue assuming and functioning that we are all the same in terms of our values, beliefs, thinking styles, likes, dislikes, and behaviours. It is critical that you understand the culture of the people and communities from which you wish to recruit.

Here are some tips to promote cultural diversity in your organization:

1. You must understand how volunteering is percieved by that particular culture. Many cultures understand "volunteering" to be significantly different than the traditional Western definition.

2. Understand the motivation of the target group and promote your volunteer opportunities as a way to meet those needs.

3. Prepare yourself, volunteers and staff to interact sensitively with other cultures.

4. Study the demographics of your area in order to plan targetted recruitment.

5. Recruit people from different cultures to serve at all levels of volunteer positions from grassroots to special committees and the board of directors.

6. Contact other culturally diverse organizations to encourage referrals to your organization.

7. Use your newsletter to publicize your diversity policy and your outreach success stories.

8. Add culturally diverse people and groups on your mailing list.

9. Attend conferences, meetings, and events sponsored by culturally diverse organizations.

10. Eliminate from all recruitment procedures, printed materials, pictures, references any discriminatory statements and practices.