Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. We believe an organization that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion creates an environment that respects and values individual difference along varying dimensions. In addition, inclusive organizations foster cultures that minimize bias and recognize and address systemic inequities, which, if unaddressed, can create disadvantage for certain individuals. This is not a human resources issue; it is a strategic issue.
Diversity
Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, Community Action Partnership embraces a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, job classification, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values.
Equity
Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of the organization, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can and feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It is important to note that while an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group is not always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious or implicit bias helps us to be deliberate about addressing issues of inclusivity.
