Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity Impact Statement

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations maintain the belief that all people are allowed the freedom to express themselves respectfully. Embracing differences within the Chamber membership and community at-large makes the organizations stronger and better diversified.  The Chamber believes in and stands for values of inclusion, equity and justice.

Focus Areas

• Workforce - Deliver diverse programming and outreach initiatives to increase community inclusion.
• Workplace - Anticipate and address the current and upcoming needs of the changing workforce, i.e. childcare, demographic shifts, and housing affordability.
• Marketplace - Advocate for women and minority business enterprises and foster programming to inspire growth

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To help advocate on behalf of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), we have gathered a list of resources you may find valuable to support and encourage everyone to be an ally. If you feel anything is missing from this list, please do not hesitate to reach out at 515-232-2310. 

 

Minority Business Enterprise Directory

Strong efforts have been made to develop a comprehensive list of minority-owned businesses in Story County, Iowa. Included are self-reported business enterprises owned by minority persons. If you see a business missing from this list, please let us know! Check Out the Directory

 

A Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations

The Ames Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the City of Ames Human Relations Commission and Iowa State University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to host this critical, enlightening, one or two day event. Walk away with the tools you need to start building a more inclusive workplace.
This event is held each fall. View our events calendar to see when the next event is.

Changemaker Series

Virtual discussions on best business practices for diversity, equity and inclusion. We are intentional about offering a platform to discuss insights, offer idea sharing, and engage discussions with organizations of all shapes and sizes. Let’s strategize on how to implement, foster and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion within our community. This event is held three times a year.

• April 29 - Disabilities in the Workplace
• June - DEI Best Practices
• September - LGBTQIA+ Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in the Workplace

DEI Facilitators / Consultants

See how your company can benefit from DEI training by referring to this list of facilitators.
View the List

 

City of Ames Human Rights Commission

Join the Human Rights Commission and have a direct impact on minimizing or eliminating discrimination within our community.
Learn More

Iowa State University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Iowa State's Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion offers many resources to help educate the community on the importance of DEI. They recently launched a campaign on the Principles of Community, developed to help build a diverse and inclusive community. Check out some of their resources

Society of Human Resources Managers (SHRM)

Access free resources from the Society of Human Resources Managers to learn how you can expand your DEI efforts in your workplace. Check them out now