Office of the Mayor: Rusty Bailey

Individual Responsibility

Increasing diversity means that all of us, as individuals, need to learn continuously about our differences while also seeking common ground based on our similarities, our linked goals, and our commitment to the best in basic human and American values.

1. Such learning will necessarily be life-long because of such factors as the continuous arrival of newcomers, both individuals and groups.
2. This learning will require ongoing dialogue, in which we should strive for openness and honesty, both in our everyday lives and in formal settings.
3. Honest, open, and successful dialogue requires that each of us be willing to listen to, attempt to understand, and give consideration to voices, perceptions, and interpretations that may challenge, even conflict with, some of our personal beliefs.
4. As we listen to and learn from others, we need to show sincere respect for them as individuals and as groups, even if we disagree deeply with the ideas that they express and beliefs that they espouse, so that differences of belief, opinion, and interpretation do not result in divisiveness.
5. We also need to recognize that some learning may involve unlearning certain personal beliefs and perceptions of others. iences, communication styles, and senses of identity.
6. Finally, as individuals each of us should be willing to move beyond words to action, walking the walk of inclusiveness, not merely talking the talk.