Providing CMAA members with tools for promoting and supporting DEI and inclusive cultures on job sites.

The AGC Culture of Care began in 2018 as an initiative of the Associated General Contractors of Washington (state) in response to a specific, hate-based incident on a Seattle-area jobsite. In 2020, AGC of America was granted rights to the program by AGC of Washington and launched the initiative nationwide.

In 2021, the CMAA Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CODE) reviewed the pledge against CMAA’s Strategic Goals, Core Activities, Statement of Values, and Policy Framework and recommended that CMAA embrace the Culture of Care and promote it to CMAA members as a resource for developing diverse and inclusive workforces and jobsites. This is one of the ways CMAA demonstrates its commitment to providing resources that members can use within their own organizations to advance DEI objectives.

In general terms, companies that sign on to the Culture of Care pledge commit themselves to four activities.

Commit to hire and pay based on skill and experience regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Attract prospective employees by creating inclusive workplaces that are free from harassment, hazing, and bullying.

Retain high performing employees by identifying and removing barriers to advancement.

Empower every employee to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion.

The website offers a range of materials for toolbox talks and other job site activities; it also offers opportunities for companies to share their stories of success and progress.

The initial plan of action for implementation, in early 2022, includes the following:

• Adding links to the Culture of Care website from the CMAA website’s DEI page.
• Adding links to the Culture of Care website from the CMAA website’s Resources page.
• Promoting the Culture of Care program with Chapter leader and local Chapter CODE chairs.
• Publicly congratulating and encouraging CMAA member organizations that sign (or have signed) the Culture of Care pledge like Kitchell and Suffolk.

This is a new initiative; outcomes have not yet been measured.

Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, Hon. AIA, President & CEO