Agenda - 8-c - Authorize the Manager to Sign and Execute an Agreement with VISIONS, Inc.

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 21, 2019 Action Agenda Item No. 8-c SUBJECT: Authorize the Manager to Sign and Execute an Agreement with VISIONS, Inc. DEPARTMENT: Human Resources ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proposed Agreement with VISIONS, Inc. Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, (919) 245-2552 Training and Consulting Services PURPOSE: To authorize the Manager to sign an agreement with VISIONS, Inc. for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training and Consulting Services based on the Manager's recommendations regarding a three-year/three-phase training and consulting process administered by VISIONS, Inc. and encompassing all employees. BACKGROUND: Orange County values a welcoming workplace environment that is culturally diverse and free of any discrimination or biases. The BOCC has requested that staff conduct training programs which identifies historical exclusion at the personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels. The purpose is for employees to be comfortable in identifying previously unconscious biases and misinformation within themselves and in others and to recognize personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural barriers to inclusion. Further, to understand the ongoing personal effects of historical and contemporary exclusion and oppression and to provide skills to employees to equip them to facilitate change toward creating a more supportive environment of inclusion in the workplace and Orange County communities. It is recommended that training be provided by VISIONS to all County employees over a period of three years. This includes training opportunities for all employees, as well as specialized, in- depth training for department heads and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team. The training also provides resources for facilitating the process of practicing the skills acquired in the training within the everyday work of departments and employees. Finally, the third phase allows for specific focus on taking the learning and experience within the workplace into the communities and residents that Orange County serves. VISIONS would also provide support in building a leadership team comprised of diverse representation of County employees to ensure sustainability to a culturally diverse environment. Overall, the training and consultancy goals are as follows: