5.2a(4) SF’s cross-functional team structure capitalizes on the
diversity of its employees and volunteers, and helps the organization
prepare for changing capability and capacity needs. SF’s
employees and volunteers (including DU students and fellows)
reflect its service community and include representatives of
Iowa’s growing Hispanic and Hmong communities. V-teams include
people of different ages, physical abilities, educational
backgrounds, and work experiences, as well as people with personal
experiences with hunger and poverty. Ethnic/racial diversity
is an important consideration in team formation to enhance communication
and understanding of work expectations and to help
ensure that all volunteers feel welcome and comfortable. For example,
SF is fortunate to have individuals fluent in Spanish and
Hmong on its V-teams and among its directors. These bilingual
employees and volunteers have taught other team members some
basic words in non-English languages and have helped SF stay
aware of the special holiday observances and cultural and dietary