What is DEI?

DEI is an acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why is it important?

DEI creates an environment where all have a sense of belonging and mutual respect.  Seeking knowledge and meaningful conversation through a variety of perspectives and resources allows us the ability to learn from the past and work towards providing solutions for a better future.

What is GRAR doing in the area of DEI?

The DEI Task Force is working with Leadership and other committees to weave DEI through the fabric of our organization.  This Task Force also launched the DEFI certification series. 

How do I get involved?

GRAR’s Committee Request Form is distributed in the fall each year. This form provides the opportunity to volunteer and get involved. It lists each group, outlines the goals and objectives, and describes the anticipated time commitment.

If regular volunteer service isn’t of interest, you might consider attending GRAR events as your schedule permits to network with other industry professionals. 

Who should I contact with questions?

Any member of the Task Force would be happy to chat! Click on any image below to obtain contact information. 

DEI Task Force Members

Director Liaison

Articles

What Did the Property Owner Know?

In this article, a service animal case points out the importance of clear communication between housing providers and tenants.

Affinity Bias

The "Just Like Me" Bias. While we can’t rid ourselves of affinity bias completely, we can certainly dampen the effects it has on our decisions. Read for tips on how!

Embracing the Uncomfortable

Uncomfortable situations are an inevitable part of life and business. Despite that, most of us have a natural inclination to avoid addressing those situations head-on.

Stressing 'Freedom' in Homeownership

Rafael Perez highlights the impact of owning a home on the ability to build generational wealth and financial security in the Latino community for Congress.

What Disability Really Means

Read to help break down the misconception that those who live with certain circumstances are incapable of having any abilities or skills to live life.

The Legacy of Restrictive Covenants

In 1948, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on restrictive covenants in real estate. Today, REALTORS® are reckoning with the past as they work to bring equal housing opportunity to all.

Best Practices for Multicultural Marketing

Research, representation and respect are the building blocks of a good multicultural strategy.

Inclusion vs. Belonging

This article explores the key difference between inclusion and belonging. Inclusion is about embracing diversity, while belonging means creating a culture that values and is enhanced by individual differences.

Community Resources

ACLU of Michigan

Al-Tawheed Islamic Center

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Asian American Association of West Michigan

Asian Center of SE Michigan

Catholic Charities of West Michigan

Chinese Association of West Michigan

Disability Advocates

Fair Housing Center of West Michigan

Family Promise of West Michigan Homeless Resources

Filipino American Community of West Michigan 

Gateway Mission Homeless Resources

Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB)

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center

Grand Rapids Pride Center

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities

Guiding Light Rescue Homeless Resources for Men

GVSU Resource Offices for Inclusion

Hand2Hand: Follow the Backpack

Hispanic Center of West Michigan

Home Repair Services of Kent County

ICCF Community Homes

Islamic Center & Masjid of Grand Rapids

Italian American Club of West Michigan

Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids

Kent ISD Diversity Initiative

Kids Food Basket

Latina Network of West Michigan

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

Lincup.org

Meaning in Colors

Mel Trotter Ministries Homeless Resources

Michigan Chamber of Commerce DEI Series

Michigan Civil Rights Commission

Michigan Diversity Council    

Michigan Veteran Homes of Grand Rapids

Michigan Women Forward

Migrant Legal Aid

Minority Business Development Agency

National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals

Native American Affairs Council (WMU)

Red Project Grand Rapids

Refugee Education Center

Senior Resources of West Michigan

State of Michigan Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources

Swedish American Heritage Society of West Michigan

The Arc Kent County

The Diatribe

Urban League of West Michigan

Wellhouse Homeless Resources

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

GRAR strives to promote equal opportunity and cultural diversity within the real estate industry and our communities, and to foster an association culture that embraces and celebrates our differences.