STAFF

History

Colorado Springs Diversity Forum (CSDF) was founded in 2005 to work to create opportunity for our citizens and businesses to recognize and appreciate the rich diversity in our community, to communicate that appreciation to those inside and outside our community, and to demonstrate the value of inclusiveness.

We envision building on the positive work and influence of the diverse cultures that contribute to the social and business structure of our city. We recognize that positive diversity practices enhance economic vitality, promote business success, and improve the quality of life for current and future citizens of Colorado Springs. Our work represents a visible commitment to helping our community achieve its full potential.

In 2006 we began developing the organization. We focused on characterizing the issues we were trying to address, establishing goals and objectives, identifying and seeking out key stakeholder organizations to become members, and reaching consensus on the elements of diversity and inclusion we wished to focus our energies on. We worked on organization, infrastructure, and governance; communications and education; and diversity as related to the economic health of our community. And, we launched our first program the annual Everybody Welcome: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity in August of 2007.

The initial Everybody Welcome: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity has grown from a one day festival to a city sponsored week-long series of educational and celebratory diversity and inclusion events and activities attracting over 10,000 participants. We have developed partnerships throughout the community with businesses and diverse and cultural organizations. Our structure includes six standing committees who work both to offer educational programming and recognition throughout the year and, to sustain the organization. We received a first place 2010 NBC-LEO City Cultural Diversity Award from the National League of Cities for the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum's Everybody Welcome: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity. And we have been selected to host an international celebration in honor of the 50th Anniversary of our Sister City relationship with Fujiyoshida, Japan in 2012.