We owe immense gratitude to our past chair, Joanna Harper, for her dedication and expertise in orchestrating this grassroots initiative. The achievements of our first year have set a strong foundation, allowing for a productive start to the year.

At the outset, we revisited our mission: "To enhance engagement among our members in initiatives promoting diversity. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment within the Gallatin Association of REALTORS® by expanding educational opportunities. As the DEI Committee's efforts increase awareness, we are committed to establishing a safe and respectful space for all members and the broader community." We then transformed various aspects of our mission into actionable items.

Each month, we spotlight a specific day that promotes inclusivity. For instance, in July, we will recognize National Disability Independence Day, and in August, Purple Heart Day, which honors wounded or fallen U.S. military personnel. Information and resources related to these observances will be distributed to our members to broaden awareness.

We are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for our association. For example, we will host an event where members can participate in FairHaven: A Fair Housing Simulation in a group setting. This format fosters dialogue among peers and increases the course's completion rate.

The DEI Committee will also participate in the "Bridge the Gap Now with Intentional Inclusion" continuing education course. Our presence aims to underscore our support for these crucial topics and to create a welcoming environment.

While we have laid out extensive plans for the year in just the first quarter, the conversations surrounding DEI work have been particularly noteworthy. Some members in our association have expressed skepticism about the necessity of the Committee, believing that issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion do not exist in our area. However, we collectively maintain that these issues are relevant and our work is crucial. While DEI often involves race, religion, or sexual orientation, it indeed encompasses much more, including those with invisible disabilities, non-native English speakers, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Our DEI efforts are aimed at supporting those who have been marginalized, as well as those who might not be visibly distinct. As we continue to evolve and refine our approach, we invite feedback and active participation from all our members. Together, we can ensure that our association not only discusses diversity, equity, and inclusion but also exemplifies these fundamental values in all that we do.