We at GBBR have an IDEA that everyone has a seat at the table regardless of what makes us unique.
This resource is designed to assist real estate brokerages, agents, and industry professionals in implementing principles
of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their everyday practices.
IDEA is comprised of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.
Inclusion: Bringing historically excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making.
► Inclusion is not simply tolerance; it is the intentional, unquestioned acceptance of all customers, clients, agents and employees.
Equity: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
► Equity is not the same as equality, but adjusting to meet individual needs so the outcome is equal.
Diversity: The presence of a wide range of differences within a group. This includes but is not limited to race, familial status, nationality, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), and disability.
► Success in diversity is when your organization reflects the entire community it serves.
Accessibility: The commitment to providing tools, resources and information to everyone with respect to their unique abilities and diverse needs.
► Accessibility encompasses how organizations intentionally design and/or redesign to accommodate the characteristics of each individual.
The GBBR IDEA Committee is committed to ensuring that equity and justice are incorporated within the day-to-day practice of real estate amongst our members. This committee meets monthly. If you are interested in joining our efforts, contact Jenifer League, Vice President of Operations at GBBR.
A DEI Library has been established at the GBBR office. Members interested in perusing or borrowing the resources available, or joining our DEI Book Club can call (410) 337-7200 for more information. We are also happy to receive donations of books and resources, as well!
Download the GBBR IDEA resource brochure in its entirety
Click on cover below:
LINKS DESCRIBED IN OUR BROCHURE
Resources
National Multi-Cultural Housing Advocacy & Professional Associations
• Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) – www.areaa.org
• LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (the “Alliance”) – www.realestatealliance.org
• National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – www.nahrep.org
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) – www.nareb.com
• Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) – www.varep.net
• African American Regional Education Alliance (AAREA) – www.theaarea.org
• Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) – www.wcr.org
National Housing Advocacy & Policy Organizations
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – www.hud.gov
• Habitat for Humanity – www.habitat.org
• National Alliance to End Homelessness – www.endhomelessness.org
• National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) – www.nationalfairhousing.org
• National Housing Law Project (NHLP) – www.nhlp.org
• National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) – www.nlihc.org
State & Local Housing Advocacy & Policy Organizations
• Maryland Inclusive Housing – www.mih-inc.org
• Project PLASE – www.projectplase.org
• Youth Empowered Society (YES) – www.yesdropincenter.org
• Women’s Housing Coalition – www.womenshousing.org
• CASA’s Housing & Community Development Department
www.wearecasa.org/housing-community-development-maryland
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Resources
• DEI brokerage roadmap
www.nar.realtor/magazine/broker-news/network/make-dei-a-reality-in-your-brokerage-right-now
• NAR Fair Housing Action Plan – www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fair-housing-action-plan-act
• C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) – www.c2ex.realtor
Education
Bias Override video Series – National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) 3 part series about Implicit Bias and how it affects your business.
Visit: www.nar.realtor/biasoverride
2020 Video Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing Original NAR video on bias.
Visit: www.nar.realtor/videos/bias-override-overcoming-barriers-to-fair-housing
Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation Training – NAR created this simulation to provide REALTORS® the opportunity to self evaluate how they would respond to different situations. This is a great starting point!
Visit: www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fairhaven
Newsday investigation – Long Island Divided
2019 investigative report and video, “Testing the Divide” about how agents treat different clients.
Visit: https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/real-estate-agents-investigation
Offerings to Dig Deeper
At Home With Diversity – Available on line or in person at GBBR. Also available for certifications.
For more info: www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/at-home-with-diversity-ahwd
Bias Override Class – Available online or in person at GBBR.
For more info: www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/bias-override-overcoming-barriers-to-fair-housing
Alliance certified Ally – This thought-provoking and interactive session will help you develop a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and provide you with knowledge on how to work with potential home buyers and sellers who identify as part of the community.
For more info: www.realestatealliance.org/education
Fair Housing Course – GBBR regularly offers Fair Housing as a continuing education class, and is constantly updating and revising this state required course to better serve our members.
Check GBBR Continuing Education Schedule: www.gbbr.org/calendar/upcoming-classes
C2EX (Commitment to Excellence)- Program offered by NAR that empowers REALTORS® to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. It’s not a course, class or designation—it’s an endorsement that REALTORS® can promote when serving clients and other REALTORS®.
For more info: www.nar.realtor/c2ex