The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion was originally founded in 1941 to mediate religious differences. Over time the Roundtable evolved to also mediate cultural and racial differences. Before long, the Roundtable became known as a leader in promoting harmony among racial, religious, cultural, and economic groups. Today, the Roundtable serves as a human relations organization whose purpose is to overcome discrimination and racism by crossing generational, geographic, racial, religious, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.
The Roundtable’s primary goals are centered on solving two societal issues:
1) systemic disparities related to racial, cultural, and social injustices; and
2) combating institutional and inherent bias.
They address these issues by exploring how racism has affected the Metropolitan Detroit area’s ability to flourish by focusing on three key programming areas: Community Engagement, Youth Development, and Workplace Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Consulting.
They empower individuals to transform communities and the workplace to overcome racism, discrimination, systemic inequities, and institutional and inherent bias.
A just and united Michigan, transformed through inclusion, equity and opportunity for all.
They do their work through education, leadership development, organizing and conversations between law enforcement, business, government, the faith community, and interested citizens. They leverage our history and goodwill by bringing people together to make this a better community and state for us all. They accomplish this work through 3 core areas.
Community Engagement, Awareness & Organizing
Workplace Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Consulting
Youth Leadership Development
They bring people together from multiple networks to learn from each other through education and dialogue.
They collaborate with others in the movement from valuing differences to examining barriers to inclusion.
They are unconditionally committed to full human rights while at the same time valuing religious freedom.
Their operational framework for change:
Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression and Critical Race Theory
Historical Analysis
Examination of Privilege
Inclusion and Empowerment
Asset-Based and Place-Based Organizing
Personal Narratives and Storytelling
Transformative Organizing
