Posts Tagged ‘diversity’

VSP joins the “March for the Dream” in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on January 16th, 2012 by Alex

As America celebrates the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, VSP employees are proud to join marchers celebrating in Sacramento, the hometown of the company’s headquarters, as part of the MLK365 “March for the Dream.”

The event is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees, including local residents, elected officials, and business, civic and community leaders representing many diverse ethnicities and backgrounds who are joining together to “March for the Dream” in remembrance of the visionary leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950′s and 1960′s. Marchers will start from three different locations around the city and end at the Sacramento Convention Center in downtown to celebrate as a community while enjoying a variety of diverse activities and performances. One of VSP’s mobile eye clinics, Eyenstein, will be inside the Convention Center as part of the celebration and available for tours. Participants in need who visit Eyenstein will also have the opportunity to receive a free gift certificate redeemable for a comprehensive eye exam at a local VSP doctor’s office and glasses, if needed.

As part of its participation in the “March for the Dream,” VSP continues its commitment to supporting diversity causes and embraces diversity as an integral part of its corporate culture. For more information on diversity at VSP, please click here.

Stay tuned for live updates during the “March for the Dream” on Twitter (@VSPVisionCare), and keep your eyes out for some great pictures on the VSP Blog for a glimpse inside the event.

How are you remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today?

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VSP Asian Pacific Islander Employee Group Attends Competitive High Tea

Posted on November 9th, 2011 by Andy G.

Top: Andrea H, Caryn N, Courtney M, Lisa M; Bottom: Gabrielle H, Chelsy P, Tina R, January V

A high tea? I didn’t know that tea was an event, like a swim meet, a concert, or a meteor shower. It seems I need to increase my awareness.

VSP’s Asian Pacific Islander (API) employee resource group recently participated in My Sister’s House 4th annual High Tea event.

The event is a fund-raising effort to increase awareness in the Asian Pacific Islander community that domestic violence is not limited by ethnicity or culture.

VSP’s API employee group invested its efforts as lead sponsor for My Sister’s House because by supporting a non-profit that largely supports the needs of very diverse Asian and Pacific Island women and children, we are able to connect with the larger local Asian and Pacific Island community.

The competitive part comes to play where each table’s decorators work to outdo each other in designing the most elegant centerpieces and table decorations.

Chelsy P from VSP took the lead to design our table. Our table was elaborately decorated to provide a showcase for our Marchon and Altair eyewear lines and created quite a conversation piece. It was an important opportunity to network and encourage others in our community to speak out against domestic violence.

To read more about diversity at VSP, click the “diversity” tag below.

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VSP attends Cultural Festival in Bronx

Posted on June 15th, 2011 by Rudy R

VSP's booth at the Cultural Festival

Guest Blogger: Rudy Ramos. Rudy is an account manager in New Jersey and is a member of VSP’s Latino Employee Resource Group.

In June, residents of New York City flock outdoors for what seems like an endless supply of community events. Each event—whether it’s for education, music or ethnicity—brings something special to the city and to the residents and visitors who have an opportunity to attend.  Earlier this month, VSP was a vendor at the Cultural Festival of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. This family-oriented event featured Puerto Rican food, musical talent and arts and crafts.

VSP’s Latino Employee Resource Group was there to show its support to the community. The “Condado de la Salsa” welcomed us with open arms and was extremely excited to have us there.  We were the busiest booth at the event from the moment we set up!  People were eager to test their “EyeQ” to try to win a prize. Most importantly, we were able to answer a lot of questions about eye health, sunwear and even how to enroll in VSP’s individual plan if your employer doesn’t offer coverage.

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10 English Words with Asian Roots

Posted on May 31st, 2011 by Andy G.

Andy Gee, Member of VSP's Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group

When I learned that May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I wanted to blog about it without turning it into a geo-political sermon, a cultural diversity lecture, or an American history lesson (yawn).

As we say good-bye to May, I wanted to leave you with this. I thought it would be interesting to examine common words used in the English language that had their roots in Asian cultures, sort of the weaving of Asian cultures into America’s gingham, er, fabric.

I’m going to skip the too-obvious food-related words (wok and ramen), or martial arts terms (ninja and judo) that retain their cultural link.

Instead, I highlight ten words that you might not have known had Asian origins.

word origin meaning
boondocks (n.) Tagalog (Philippines) from a word for “mountain,” adopted by American soldiers to refer to any far-off or wild place
gingham (adj.) Malaysian borrowed from Malay into Dutch into English
gung ho (adj.) Chinese and Korean from words meaning “work together,” motto first used by U.S. Marines in WWII.
honcho (n.) Japanese from a word meaning “squad leader”
ketchup (n.) Chinese and Korean from a word meaning “tomato sauce”
launch (n.) Malaysian type of a boat
taboo (n.) Tongan appeared for the first time in Captain Cook’s journals
tattoo (n.) Tahitian introduced to European sailors who brought the custom worldwide
tycoon (n.) Japanese from a word meaning “great prince,” attributed to Matthew Perry’s visit to Japan in 185os, used as an affectionate nickname for president Abraham Lincoln.
typhoon (n.) Chinese and Korean from words for “great wind”

 

Now, back to my work as a technical communicator. And somehow today, I’m going to fit this sentence in:

“The gung ho honcho with the tattoo tripped, spilling the ketchup on the tycoon’s lap.”

(For more Asian words in English, see “Gung Ho, Tycoon, Amuck” from InfoPlease.com.)

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Individual cultural exposure International Corporate Volunteering

Posted on May 20th, 2011 by Jill N

Guest blogger, Mike M., works in VSP’s IT department and shares with us how some companies are providing their employees an opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge through direct experience. 

“The World is Flat” is the title of a book by Thomas Friedman, in which, he describes what he believes is the next ‘wave’ of influence on companies. While the world may be flat, not all individuals or companies are prepared to meet this world, and in fact most are under-prepared.

 One of the most striking areas in which individuals are ill-prepared is their knowledge of foreign countries and cultures. As an example, if you were making a sales pitch in the US, you could go in with a limited number of slides and structure the pitch as a conversation around some key questions. Would you do the same in Japan? Why or why not?  I would bet most people do not know how to answer these questions, or even if they answered it correctly, would know why.

 Individually, as we become more culturally aware, we begin to see the world through a different set of ‘glasses’. We understand different cultures, different viewpoints, and different approaches. This increases our ability to solve more and more complex problems that face us individually and the companies for which we work. 

 A fundamental disconnect many companies have as they try to expand into new countries is that they do not truly understand the culture of the country, meaning they do not have individuals with that understanding. While it takes years to truly assimilate a new culture, there are steps individuals and companies can take to begin to gain an understanding, but it all centers around experience – nothing is better than actual experience.

 International Corporate Volunteering (ICV) is a long corporate term for programs that many companies, including IBM, Pfizer, Ernst & Young, are executing to give individuals this necessary experience. Through these programs, individuals are sent on projects to provide voluntary service to under-developed countries. During this time, which is typically 1-6 months, these individuals will live like ‘natives’, eat like ‘natives’ sleep like ‘natives’ and truly become immersed into the environment and culture. They develop leadership skills that are cross cultural, valuing dialog and mutual understanding rather than positional power.

When they return home, most of them describe their experience as one they will never forget. They have the satisfaction of providing service to those who are not able to provide it for themselves. They develop leadership skills in ways they never could have at home. They develop the beginning of an understanding of a foreign culture. All because they have been immersed in a life changing experience.

 Tomorrow, May 21st, is the UN’s World Day for Cultural Diversity. This day is a great chance to open our eyes to the differences that exist across different cultures that we can learn from. And, it is only the beginning. This day can become the day where individuals and companies explore their current actions for diversity. They can then make new plans, some of which can include exploring ICV programs to give actual hands-on cultural experiences to individuals.

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The Value of Diversity – World Diversity Day

Posted on May 19th, 2011 by Robert C

Robert C., Manager and VSP Diversity Council Chair

As the son of a former Marine, I grew up around military bases and went to school with people from a wide variety of cultures. I was fortunate that my elementary school recognized the value of diversity, hosting a diversity night every year. During this event, each class did a performance from a specific culture or provided food from a variety of cultures. My 5th and 6th grade teacher – Ms. Fukishima – was Japanese; she taught our class Japanese fables that we sang. I still remember the verses to one of them. Those early childhood experiences created a foundation from which I was able to build on as I continued to relate to and appreciate people from various backgrounds, including my immediate and extended family, which are a mosaic of many cultures.

As the Chair of the VSP Diversity Council, I have the opportunity to continue to learn more about different cultures and lifestyles, resulting in new experiences that have been enriching and fulfilling. From the business sense, in an increasingly diverse country and global economy, being able to work with people from all walks of life is critical. Valuing different perspectives creates in inclusive work environment where employees can bring their full self to work. It has been shown that this results in higher engagement and productivity and has helped businesses generate new ideas enabling the company to better meet the needs of its customers.

World Diversity Day is an opportunity to begin to learn about other cultures; Use it as an icebreaker to reach out to people; ask them about their culture; tell them about yours. You might even learn a few versus of a new song.

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Commit to doing at least one thing to support diversity and inclusion.

Posted on May 17th, 2011 by David C

VSP is participating in the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on Saturday, May 21.

As part of this observance, a campaign has been developed that urges people across the world to “Do One Thing” to promote diversity and inclusion; the goal is to get a million people participating. Doing one thing may be simple—perhaps as easy as trying a new cuisine—but it’s a first step to help to open our eyes to the precious differences that make each of us unique.

Diversity is not just a one-day affair. It’s a way of behaving and doing business that respects and values the varied perspectives and experiences that each of us brings to the table. Diverse employees help companies understand how to best develop and deliver products and services to an increasingly diverse customer base. It enhances our cultural awareness and prepares us for the globalization of our business. Studies have proven that teams that value differences have productive and engaged employees, which results in creative and innovative solutions that enhance their company’s competitive edge. By its very nature, diversity attracts a diverse group of customers.

So, what can you do?
Take time this week to step out of your comfort zone, and actively promote diversity and inclusion. Here are a few examples to get you started:

  • Gain new perspective by visiting news sites for other countries.
  • Open dialog with a stranger.
  • Explore diverse areas of your city.
  • Take a dance class.
  • Ask a co-worker about their culture and tell them about yours
  • Learn about civil rights history.
  • Interview elders in your family.
  • Volunteer at a local community event.

Share the story.
Read recent VSP Blog entries celebrating diversity. “Like” the Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion Facebook page. Write a message on their Wall or on the VSP Facebook page to share how you’re going to make a difference. Tell a friend, invite a neighbor… just spread the word.

Resources:

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Join VSP in Supporting World Day for Cultural Diversity

Posted on May 11th, 2011 by Rob L.

Rob L. is President and CEO of VSP Global

 For the next few weeks you are going to see some interesting posts on our blog and Facebook – hopefully posts that help inspire you!  VSP is supporting the United Nations’ efforts to revitalize World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21st.

 By pledging to support the “Do One Thing” campaign, we hope to help the grass roots effort of getting ONE million people around the world to “Do ONE Thing for Diversity and Inclusion.”   

As a company that serves all geographies, regions, cultures, and economic situations, VSP recognizes the value of diversity and we are committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment. We invite you to share with us your ONE thing and help spread the word about the importance of deepening the understanding of the values of cultural diversity around the world.

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Celebrating Black History Month

Posted on February 21st, 2011 by Jill N

Telly W. is a member of the award-winning VSP Customer Service team.

Guest blogger, Telly W., from our award-winning customer service department, shares with us what Black History Month means to her.

Black history to me means inclusiveness. It means we are finally living in a world where our stories are not just told, but recognized as a part of American history. It gives all Americans the opportunity to know more about the African Americans who helped make this country great.

It provides greater exposure to people besides Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcom X. It shines a light on the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement such as poets, inventors, doctors, lawyers, entertainers, and others who have made useful contributions.

Having a designated month focused on black history helps me to have a daily reflection of my heritage and the people that paved the way for me to be where I am today. I am always filled with a tremendous sense of pride and a yearning to know more about those who came before me. I carry that feeling with me, not just today, or this month, but every day.

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Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on April 22nd, 2010 by Jill N

Build the DreamThe month of April marks the 42nd anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The vision of Dr. King is one that resonates with us here at VSP in that he dedicated his life to the idea that America’s true strength lies in its diversity of talents and global relationships. As a company committed to inclusion, diversity and respect for all individuals, Dr. King continues to be an inspiration in what drives our continued success and furthers our corporate citizenship through our charitable outreach programs.

After many years of fundraising to create a National Memorial commemorating his life and work, the memorial is only 10% away from reaching its goal. This memorial will honor his life and contributions to the world through non-violent social change.

For more information, including how to donate, go to http://mlkmemorialnews.org or www.Facebook.com/MLKNationalMemorial

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