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IDEA Inclusion Diversity Equity and Action

SMDRA'S UNITY STATEMENT

At the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association, we meet as allies, industry partners, community members and human beings who acknowledge that we are all more the same than different.

We all have a wealth of knowledge, culture and skills that form our individual perspectives.  We are here to build on our similarities through unity, and objectively seek to understand the wealth of each other’s perspectives.  By doing this we hope to deepen our unified platform and have solution-based discussions to improve inclusion, diversity and equity.

I AM…THE SMDRA DIVERSITY VIDEO PROJECT

The South Metro Denver REALTOR Association is proud to be a diverse, dynamic, and vibrant Association whose strength comes from our Members. This video is an effort to highlight these strengths and to showcase the many faces, talents, and stories of our diverse membership – by answering the simple statement I AM…

Keep an eye out for MORE versions of the video, featuring more of YOU, our SMDRA Members. Visit the IDEA Play List on the SMDRA YouTube Channel, as more videos are released.

Interested in being a part of this on-going Diversity Video Project?
Email Teri Virbickis at teri@smdra.com.

SMDRA AFFINITY GROUPS & INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Denver Realtists is a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

NAHREP Colorado is a local chapter of National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

AREAA Denver – AREAA Denver is the local chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association.

WCR Mile High – WCR Mile High is the Denver area chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance – Empowering LGBTQ+ community to homeownership.

OUR COMMITMENT

SMDRA I.D.E.A. COMMITMENT

I.D.E.A – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action

STATEMENT – SMDRA’s IDEA Committee is focused on moving the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (I.D.E.A.) forward to benefit our members. These principles are essential to foster an inclusive culture where REALTORS® are the recognized authority and trusted partners in their communities. Inclusion and unity are critical to achieving our mission of providing the highest standards of service to our members in an ethical and professional manner.

All REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Article 10 of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics states, “REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

SMDRA has an unwavering commitment to diversity that will ensure the highest level of respect, inclusion, and nondiscrimination. 

INCLUSION

  • We embrace a culture of open-mindedness which continues to encourage multiple perspectives and enhance our collaborative solutions, drives innovation, and delivers benefit to our Strategic Values.
  • We believe that, together, we can build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse expressions of all members.  By ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of what we do, we energize our Mission and provide the most effective service to all, including our communities.

 

DIVERSITY

  • We accept diverse perspectives and are committed to being inclusive of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, neurodiversity, or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves.
  • We commit to celebrating diversity on all levels, to keep an open mind, and to always consider those who are different from ourselves to ensure that we are being inclusive to members without bias.
  • Encourage the appointment and election of volunteers—who collectively reflect the rich diversity of SMDRA and the membership we serve, so they can bring unique perspectives to the table and together advance the Association’s Strategic Plan in more inclusive and innovative ways.
  • We seek to ensure a safe environment within the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association and within our communities that is inclusive and celebrates cultural differences

 

EQUITY

  • We seek to ensure the quality of opportunity is available to those who are underrepresented and for all backgrounds to grow to their full potential, including leadership roles.

 

ACTION

  • We are committed to continue driving conversations with REALTORS® and Affiliate members by engaging in discussions of real-life occurrences within our communities regarding inclusion, equality, and diversity and will provide platforms to have the crucial discussions needed for growth and awareness within our Association.
  • Together we will continue to educate our members and build a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse expressions of all members.
  • We will collaborate with other REALTOR® organizations that support housing opportunities for underserved communities and that will foster an environment that enhances inclusion, diversity and equity within SMDRA. 

CODE OF ETHICS

THE REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS

In addition to following the letter of the law, REALTORS® abide by our Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and demonstrates a firm commitment of support for equal opportunity in housing. Article 10 states:

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The complete Code of Ethics can be found HERE.

Download the NAR Code of Ethics in 15 different languages.

TOOLS & RESOURCES

APRIL FAIR HOUSING MONTH

Discrimination in the real estate industry is real and ongoing. As community leaders, real estate professionals have an opportunity to be a part of equitable and inclusive change. Fair Housing Month signifies a recommitment to advancing equitable opportunities and expanding homeownership.

CLICK HERE for more information and Fair Housing Month Marketing Assets.

FAIRHAVEN

In November 2020, NAR launched Fairhaven, a new fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. Inspired by real stories, this innovative online experience has agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process. Learners will also walk in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination. The training provides customized feedback that learners can apply to daily business interactions. 

You find Fairhaven graphics and social media assets HERE.

FAIR HOUSING ACT

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.

DISPARATE IMPACT

The landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968 outlawed discrimination against people looking to buy or rent a home based on their race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin—and the Supreme Court has ruled more recently that illegal housing discrimination can occur even without intent.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities.

EQUAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

A set of policies and procedures designed to help its users provide the same level of service to all real estate consumers. A model which involves consistent practices in making the initial contact with consumers, gathering objective information about consumers’ needs, letting consumers set their own limits, offering a variety of choices, and keeping accurate records of all of the above.

PROTECTED CLASS

This refers to “categories” of homebuyers that are specifically protected from housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act.

STEERING

Racial/ethnic steering refers to the practice among real estate professionals to guide prospective home buyers towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity.

AT HOME WITH DIVERSITY CERTIFICATION

At Home With Diversity is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, the class teaches REALTORS® how to work effectively with—and within—a rapidly changing multicultural market.

IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING

In addition to offering NAR’s Implicit Bias Training (Watch SMDRA’s Education Calendar for upcoming classes), NAR produced this video to help REALTORS® identify, understand, and combat elements of implicit bias and how to overcome barriers to Fair Housing.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS DISCRIMINATION

REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS VIOLATION IN COLORADO

To file a complaint about a violation of the REALTOR Code of Ethics including Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity violations go here: 

DEPT. OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT

File a complaint through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) investigates complaints, which may be one or both of the following types: Discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (including housing that is privately owned and operated); Discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs, including those funded by HUD.

COLORADO DEPT. OF REGULATORY AGENCIES

REALTOR licenses in Colorado are governed by the Department of Regulated Agencies (DORA). DORA’s website allows consumers to file complaints here:

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