Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our agency, our programs and services, and as an advocate for change within the communities we serve. Our plans and strategies are emergent and will be updated on this page in an effort to foster transparency and accountability.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT STATEMENT
As a Community Action Agency, we are committed to:
Building a culture of inclusion in which a diverse workforce has equitable opportunities to contribute, succeed, and grow. (internal)
Cultivating a safe and equitable workplace that advances collaboration, respect, and excellence in program and service delivery. (internal + external)
Catalyzing relationships that promote an appreciation of our common humanity and recognizes that our differences are the cornerstone of resilient communities. (internal + external)
Developing multi-sector partnerships that underscore our shared values and a commitment to innovation, equity, and social justice. (external)
Advocating for systemic change to ensure that no one is forced to endure the hardships of poverty. (external)
DRAFT DEI GOALS & EMERGING WORK PLAN
Goal 1: MACAA’s workplace culture fosters and celebrates all dimensions of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Goal 2: MACAA engages people who reflect the diversity of the region to shape governance, decision-making, and policy.
Goal 3: MACAA creates safe, welcoming, and accessible programs and services.
Goal 4: MACAA engages community and philanthropic partners to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region.
Goal 5: MACAA meaningfully engages, serves, and advocates for minority families within the region.
Goal 6: MACAA’s resource allocation advances equity for all families.
Note, actions and strategies will be added as each goal area is formalized.
DEI FOCUS AREAS
Structural (also called Systemic): A history and current reality of institutional racism across all institutions, combining to create a system that negatively impacts communities of color.
Institutional: Policies, practices, and procedures that work better for white people than for people of color, often unintentionally.
Interpersonal: Interpersonal racism occurs between individuals. Once we bring our private beliefs into our interaction with others, racism is now in the interpersonal realm.
Individual: Pre-judgment, bias, or discrimination based on race by an individual.
