Facilitating Belonging: Ombuds as the Helpful Stranger

Abstract

Relying on ideas from diplomatic studies and the practice of immigration law, this article proposes a new metaphor for the work of an ombuds: the helpful stranger. The chapter explores how immigration into the United States and migration within, including the ongoing changes in the workforce, intensify the issues of diversity within the workplace. The article then notes the similarities and differences between the work of an attorney and an ombuds. It next provides a brief history of immigration in the United States.   The debate over who belongs in this nation started in colonial times, not simply arising with the contemporary rhetoric of polarization.  Issues of diversity have been a constant source of debate in this nation.  The article develops the concept of the ombuds as a helpful stranger whose independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and informality permit all parties to contribute to an organization’s mission. Given the stress polarization has placed on our communities and workplaces, the ombuds as a helpful stranger fosters a safer and more fulfilling workplace. To support that conclusion, it offers several examples of how the helpful stranger can navigate the difficult discussions regarding DEIB. It concludes with a call to maximize the strengths of the helpful stranger in continuing to enhance belonging in contemporary workplaces.

Keywords: Ombuds, diversity, immigration, refugees, polarization, DEIB, independence, confidentiality, impartiality, and informality, helpful stranger, diplomacy