Welcome to the Aberdeen Area Diversity Committee (AADC) web site.

The AADC is an independent organization created to address issues and challenges of diversity. Representatives from all facets of business and industry serve on the AADC committee because they understand the importance of ensuring that Aberdeen remains an open, caring city.

Ensuring that our new residents find solid footing in the area benefits the entire community. Folks moving into a friendly environment will stay to raise and educate their children and will contribute not only to the economic tax base, but will also stimulate the economy through consumption of goods and services. In addition, we all stand to be enriched by experiencing new cultures and customs.

We thank our proud sponsors and donors: Avera St. Luke's Hospital, the Presentation Convent, Northeast Mental Health Center, the 2009 Presentation Convent Jubilarians, the Roncalli School system, KELO Television, Carl and Sheryl Perry, Phyllis Balvin, Alyce Berggren, Mike and Cindy Kocabinski, Curt Hohn and WEB Water, Ned and Lola Dixon, Maryan and Bob Salmi, Myrna and Robert Chamberlain, Nancy Fidler, Eduardo Meza, Absolutely! Aberdeen and the Broadband Connectivity Program and the South Dakota Community Fund.

In 2006 a number of Aberdeen area community leaders and residents began a series of discussions about the need for tolerance and cultural awareness as the region was on the cusp of a large demographic change. Construction had begun on a new beef processing plant and several other industries were looking to expand in the area. They anticipated many new residents would be arriving from other parts of the nation and the world.

As a result of those discussions, in December, 2006, a Diversity Summit was held to educate, gather information and develop a plan of action. Close to 100 people spent the day brainstorming how best to approach upcoming challenges and opportunities.

Thus the Aberdeen Area Diversity Committee was formed with this statement of intent:

"The Aberdeen Area Diversity Committee is committed to a leadership role in diversity. Our goal is to evolve into an inclusive society by reaching and involving individuals who are often seen as 'invisible' in our society. We want to help people understand that diversity is simply good business and we are committed to devise programs and educational events which increase our awareness and respect of different backgrounds and life experiences. We can't realize our potential as a community until we embrace and acknowledge the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. We want to challenge current residents to move from tolerance to acceptance to respect to embracing those different from ourselves."

Representatives from all facets of Aberdeen have dedicated thousands of hours serving on the AADC committees and are committed to working together in a proactive approach to ensure that Aberdeen remains a welcoming, inclusive community.

In December, 2007, a transformational grant was awarded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and an Executive Director was hired to help move the goals forward.

In the Spring of 2008 the AADC qualified as an independent 501c3 organization. A grassroots, cross section survey was done and focus groups were interviewed. The assessment revealed that residents consider the area to be a welcoming community but that there is a need for more cultural awareness and education. Aberdonians are proud of their town but concerned that the infrastructure is not ready to support a large population increase.

By the end of 2009, the economic downturn resulted in ending the contract with the Executive Director who then became a member of the active board of volunteers. While the demographic changes are occuring more slowly than anticipated, our goals remain unchanged.