One of the exhibitors on Big Build Day (dot #4136) was She Built, a special effort to recruit girls into construction and the trades. One of the primary tools the organization uses is a children’s book The House That She Built, featuring women in 18 different roles, including roofer, insulation contractor, HVAC technician, drywaller, cabinet manufacturer, and excavator. It’s certainly different from the typical book for girls that has them playing with dolls or being a mommy.
The premise of She Built is that the shortage of skilled trade workers is a growing crisis for the economy, partly caused by the fact that children and parents are unaware of the vast opportunities for successful careers in homebuilding. She Built seeks to increase the knowledge of these opportunities in all underrepresented groups, especially women.
Think about what your organization is doing to feature atypical employees in your materials. If you want greater diversity, whether of background, gender, race, or skills, how can you use nontraditional methods (like a children’s book) to showcase your desired mix? Representation helps people see themselves in a new way; help others picture themselves with you.
