The inaugural Construction Inclusion Week (CIW), organized by NYC-based Time for Change, kicks off on Monday, Oct. 18.
CIW provides five days of content and resources designed to promote inclusion and enable hard conversations regarding diversity within the construction industry.
The theme is “Building the Foundation for Inclusion,” and provided content includes toolbox talks for project sites, table talks for office locations, activities for use at home, and a bevy of supplemental resources for deeper exploration. Daily themes include Leadership Commitment and Accountability, Unconscious Bias, Supplier Diversity, Jobsite Culture, and Community Engagement, Time for Change said in an Oct. 14 statement.
More than 1,100 construction industry firms throughout North and Central America have signed up to participate and have received access to materials and resources that help foster conversations and bring awareness to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Firms of all sizes, including top-ranked national firms and local small businesses, have registered to take part. Specialty contractors, suppliers, and affiliated industry organizations, including owner entities, have also signed up. Over 70% of registered companies are non-MWBE/SBE/LGBTQ+ certified firms interested in enhancing and improving inclusion efforts.
Construction Inclusion Week invites every member of the construction industry to unite to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The resources will enable construction companies of all sizes to plan targeted activities for their organization and trade partners. By working together, learning from one another, and being consistent in commitments and actions towards maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment – free of harassment, hate, or bigotry of any kind – Construction Inclusion Week will encourage a positive change in the industry for generations of workers to come.
Time for Change, a consortium of six general contractors, aims to identify ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry.
The shared effort by Gilbane Building Company, DPR Construction, Turner Construction Company, Mortenson, McCarthy, and Clark Construction Group resulted in organizing an industry-wide CIW with affiliated partners Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors (AGC), and Culture of Care.
More details and registration information are available at www.constructioninclusionweek.com.
