Diversity & Inclusion
Our Commitment
Empowering Every REALTOR®
At the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, we believe a diverse and inclusive real estate industry strengthens our communities. Our commitment shows through our fair housing advocacy, member support, and partnerships that remove barriers, promote equity, and create meaningful opportunities for all real estate professionals.
Training That Matters
Education in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As a REALTOR®, you’ll work with clients from many backgrounds, and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics calls for treating everyone with fairness and respect. Our commitment to diversity extends beyond Fair Housing protections and reflects a deeper dedication to inclusive practices. These DEI courses equip REALTOR® leaders with essential knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and the social dynamics that shape effective DEI work.
Required Training
Fair Housing & Anti-Bias Education
Starting January 1, 2025, all REALTORS® must complete at least 2 hours of Fair Housing/Anti-Bias training every three years, aligned with the Code of Ethics training cycle. This required training must meet the National Association of REALTORS®’ specific learning objectives and criteria. Qualifying options include At Home with Diversity, Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, Fairhaven, GRI 101, and Fair Housing: Be the Change.
At Home with Diversity® (AHWD)
The At Home with Diversity® certification equips you to succeed in today’s multicultural market by strengthening your diversity awareness, understanding of fair housing laws, and strategies for working professionally with diverse clients.
Fairhaven
Experience an immersive fair housing simulation where REALTORS® navigate real-life scenarios, confront discrimination, and receive personalized feedback to better identify, prevent, and address bias in everyday business.
Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
This NAR course helps REALTORS® identify and interrupt unconscious bias to stay compliant with fair housing. You'll learn how bias shapes interactions and practice communication skills.
Awareness & Inclusion
Diversity, Heritage & Cultural Observances Calendar
Explore key cultural holidays, heritage months, and awareness observances recognized throughout the year. This calendar supports REALTORS® in fostering cultural awareness, engaging respectfully with diverse communities, and deepening understanding of the clients we serve.
- January 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Federal holiday): Honors Dr. King and his work for civil rights, justice, and equality.
- January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Commemorates Holocaust victims and promotes global remembrance.
- February – Black History Month (Month-long): Celebrates contributions, history, resilience, and culture of Black Americans.
- February 1 – National Freedom Day: Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.
- February 15 – Maha Shivaratri / Parinirvana Day: Religious observances in Hinduism and Buddhism.
- February 16 – Presidents Day: Honors all past presidents of the United States of America.
- February 17 – Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year: Marks the start of the lunar calendar year, celebrated across Asian cultures.
- February 17–March 19 – Ramadan (Islam) (Month-long, lunar): Fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims.
- February 18 – Ash Wednesday / Lent begins: Start of Lent in Christianity, a season of reflection and preparation for Easter.
- February 19 – Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration: Commemorates WWII Japanese American internment and affirms civil liberties.
- March – Women’s History Month (Month-long): Celebrates women’s contributions and struggles across history.
- March 8 – International Women’s Day: Global recognition of women’s achievements and advocacy for gender equality.
- March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day: U.S. celebration honoring Irish heritage and culture.
- March 19–20 – Eid al-Fitr (Islam): Marks the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasting, and community.
- March 31 – Transgender Day of Visibility: Honors transgender people and raises awareness of discrimination faced.
- April – National Fair Housing Month (Month-long): Recognizes the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the fight against housing discrimination.
- April – Arab American, Middle Eastern & North African Heritage Month: Celebrates the stories and contributions of these communities.
- April 1–9 – Passover / Pesach: Eight-day celebration of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
- April 3 – Good Friday: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.
- April 5 – Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
- April 10 – LGBTQIA+ Day of Silence: Protest against anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment and violence.
- April 14 – Holocaust Jewish American Remembrance Day: Honors victims of Nazi persecution.
- April 22 – Earth Day: Promotes environmental awareness and protection.
- May – Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Celebrates AAPI histories, cultures, and contributions.
- May – Older Americans Month: Recognizes achievements and contributions of older adults.
- May 5 – Cinco de Mayo: Commemorates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla.
- May 10 – Mother’s Day: Appreciation for mothers and maternal figures.
- May 21 – International Day for Cultural Diversity: Promotes intercultural dialogue and understanding.
- May 25 – Memorial Day (Federal holiday): Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service.
- June – Pride Month (LGBTQIA+): Celebration and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ communities.
- June 19 – Juneteenth (Federal holiday): Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.
- June 21 – Father’s Day: Appreciation for fathers and paternal figures.
- July – Disability Pride Month: Celebrates disability rights, culture, and the anniversary of the ADA.
- July 4 – Independence Day (Federal holiday): Marks the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
- July 26 – ADA Day: Celebrates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: Honors Indigenous cultures globally.
- August 26 – Women’s Equality Day: Honors the women’s suffrage movement and equal rights progress.
- September – Hispanic / Latino Heritage Month: Celebrates Hispanic and Latino heritage and culture.
- September 7 – Labor Day (Federal holiday): Recognizes contributions of U.S. workers.
- September 11–13 – Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year and start of the High Holy Days.
- October – Disability Employment Awareness Month: Promotes workforce inclusion.
- October – LGBTQ History Month: Honors LGBTQ+ history and achievements.
- October – Italian American Heritage Month: Celebrates Italian American culture.
- October – Global Diversity Awareness Month: Recognizes global cultural diversity.
- October 10 – World Mental Health Day: Raises mental health awareness.
- October 11 – National Coming Out Day: Supports LGBTQ+ visibility.
- October 12 – Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day: Observances vary by region.
- October 16 – Spirit Day: Supports LGBTQ+ youth and opposes bullying.
- October 31 – Halloween: Widely celebrated cultural holiday.
- November – Native American / Indigenous Heritage Month: Honors Indigenous cultures and history.
- November 3 – Election Day: Federal election date.
- November 11 – Veterans Day (Federal holiday): Honors U.S. military veterans.
- November 16 – Dutch American Heritage Day: Commemorates U.S.–Netherlands historical ties.
- November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance: Honors victims of anti-transgender violence.
- November 26 – Thanksgiving Day (Federal holiday): National holiday with complex historical context.
- December – Universal Human Rights Month: Celebrates human rights worldwide.
- December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Promotes inclusion and rights.
- December 4 – Hanukkah: Jewish Festival of Lights.
- December 10 – Human Rights Day: Marks adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- December 25 – Christmas (Federal holiday): Celebrates the birth of Jesus.
- December 26 – Kwanzaa: Celebrates African American culture and heritage.
Celebrating Member Dedication
The RASM Diversity Challenge
Starting January 1, 2025, all NAR members must complete 2 hours of Fair Housing training—a vital step in advancing fairness and inclusivity in real estate. At RASM, we’re taking it a step further with the Diversity Challenge to honor members who go above and beyond in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How to Participate:
Complete the required 2-hour Fair Housing training and take two additional diversity-focused classes.
Eligible Courses:
At Home With Diversity®
Fairhaven
Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
GRI 101
Be the Change
ADA & Commercial Real Estate
REALTOR® L.E.A.D. Courses
Accommodations for Service Animals in Housing
Others may qualify upon approval
Those who complete the challenge will receive:
A Diversity Pin
A Certificate of Achievement
Recognition in Elevate magazine
Diversity Challenge recipients, from left to right: Julia Montei, Etta Carter, and Mike Bruno.
Resources for Every REALTOR®
Diversity, Equity & Fair Housing Support
Explore trusted local, state, and national organizations dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and fair housing. These resources provide education, guidance, and community support to help REALTORS® better understand the needs of diverse clients and foster an inclusive real estate environment.
Support in Your Community
Local Housing & Development Resources
Access programs and services that support fair housing, community development, and affordable homeownership across Sarasota and Manatee counties. These local agencies provide tools, funding, and guidance to help REALTORS® serve diverse communities effectively.
Florida DEI Support
Statewide Fair Housing & Homeownership Resources
These Florida-based organizations offer fair housing guidance, discrimination support, and affordable housing initiatives that empower REALTORS® to uphold inclusive practices throughout the state.
National DEI Partners
National Organizations Advancing Diversity in Real Estate
Explore national associations and government agencies dedicated to promoting fair housing, representation, and equitable opportunities in real estate. These groups provide education, advocacy, and community support for a more inclusive industry.
Questions?
Contact info@myrasm.com or call (941) 952-3400.