Diversity and Inclusion – They are not the same.
Observing the some organizations are saying about diversity it seems as though diversity and inclusion are the same and interchangeable. 
Not so. Diversity is difference and inclusion is how the differences between people are embraced. This speaks to the culture, the context, the environment within which people work, live and play. Two examples, both have the same workforce demographics using any of the diversity dimensions you can imagine. I realize that this is highly unlikely but work with me. In one organization, people are empowered and trained in personal, interpersonal and corporate alignment to vision, values, ethics and what it means to be a change agent. I admit it, these words have begun to sound like cliches HOWEVER… there are companies that are walking this talk. (Contact me if you’d like to know who I am referring to if interested) There is another company, in this one there is a lot of covert communications going on. Maybe the environment is not quite hostile but it’s questionable. Which one is more productive? Which one is truly inclusive? They are both diverse – but unequal.
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Joel, this is is the simplest and most strateghtforward way I've seen anyone define clearly the difference between diversity and inclusion. Why am I not surprised that it was you?! So, the next question is: should organizations define their strartegy as "diversity & inclusion" rather than one or the other as you often see?
Hi Cathy, Thank you for your response. Yes, organizations should see the two as separate yet connected commitments. Both are aspects of their corporate cultures with an emphasis on recruitment and community outreach for the broadening of the diversity within the company and alignment to mission, vision, core values, empowerment, team building and leadership development for inclusion. Cultural audits, executive coaching, employee satisfaction surveys are also useful. Let me know if you’d like more information or if I can be of more direct assistance working with you and your teams. Joel