WASHINGTON — Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson used a book club he started two years ago as an example of how diversity can strengthen communities. He spoke Wednesday during a program designed around the release of the latest statistics on diversity trends.

Anderson's commitment to diversity, whether creating a social outlet for minorities or improving the city's hiring practices, has made him a "star" among those who work on diversity issues, said Diversity Best Practices spokeswoman Carole Florman.

On Wednesday, Diversity Best Practices released the 2007 Wow! Facts book, which outlines demographic information on women, Latinos, seniors, African-Americans, Asians, people with disabilities and other groups.

In his book club example, Anderson said that when he started the club, he "sought out people whose backgrounds and life experiences differ substantially."

His group now includes a white, lesbian lawyer; a Zimbabwe native; a lesbian rabbi; a female Hispanic educator; and a white male Catholic physical therapist. Anderson described himself as a "white ex-Mormon, recovering lawyer and soon-to-be-recovering politician."

Anderson said the club's monthly meetings have provided so many more "interesting, enriching" experiences because of its diverse makeup than if it were comprised of people who were all from the same background.