We know that representation matters, and Girls Group is committed to developing a diverse workforce that reflects the young women we serve. We believe that advancing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion will build a better future for all members of Girls Group. We strive to approach daily work with humility, curiosity, and authentic engagement.
Acknowledgment: We acknowledge systemic racism and commit to implementing processes to upend it. We start from a place where everyone must understand and acknowledge that systemic racism is a system of structuring opportunity and assigns value based on the social interpretation of physical characteristics (such as skin color), in a way that unfairly disadvantages some individuals and communities while benefiting others. We will create safe spaces for people of color and white people to acknowledge the emotional toll of bias, discrimination, and racism on people of color, and to engage in honest conversation, learning, and healing.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, experiences, ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs: Girls Group does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, faith, spirituality, marital or parental status, height, weight, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.
Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations. Source: https://diversity.umich.edu/about/defining-dei/
Diversity is when everyone is invited to the party,
Equity is when everyone gets to contribute to the playlist,
and Inclusion is when everyone has the opportunity to dance.
– Vernā Myers
Girls Group DEI Theory, Philosophy, and Commitment
Girls Group is a diverse group of people who care about empowerment, social justice, equity, and coming together to make a collective and lasting impact. This is the heart and soul of who we are.
Girls Group promotes DEI through collective accountability—the belief that even if we did not personally cause harm, we all have the responsibility to address and repair the harm.
At Girls Group, DEI learning is ongoing, and embedded in the learning philosophy. Priorities include:
- Building and strengthening new skills and competencies
- Creating culturally-inclusive environments where people can talk productively about DEI
- Analyzing, implementing, and advocating for equity and inclusivity
- Developing equitable systems internally and externally
- Fostering capacity to create, critically organizational norms, policies, and practices
As we think about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) when we enter into community with each other, we commit to:
- Act with curiosity, humility, empathy, and active listening
- Honor each of our stories
- Acknowledge and repair harm
- Be present for each other, with open hearts and open minds
- Strive for connection and empathetic action in every moment
- Hold grace and space for mistakes
- Face our fears and name them
