DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
MAKING A COMMITMENT
At Springboard, we have always believed that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are central to stewarding a truly inclusive organization where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Over the past 2 years, we have embarked on a journey to become more intentional about doing the necessary work to transform our organization and the sector. In this, we acknowledge the personal, interpersonal, and systemic impact of all forms of exclusion on equity-deserving communities.
We commit to making a conscientious effort to collectively address and dismantle systemic and institutional oppression and nurture a culture of freedom and inclusion for all – our board, staff, volunteers, and, most of all, the people and communities who access our services. We envision an organizational culture that offers everyone the respect and support that enable their inherent gifts and capacities to thrive and bloom.
A Journey Toward Organizational Equity
DEI IN ACTION
Since 2021, we have undertaken processes of internal assessment, reflection, learning, and change that have enabled us to understand the impact of systems of oppression in our organizational operations and culture. We have put our commitments into practice by engaging with two external organizational consulting teams (IDC Advisory Services & Bloom Consulting), who have supported us in establishing a DEI Committee, offering education and training to board and senior leadership, and developing a multi-phase action plan to move our organization forward.
This learning journey has deepened our clarity and commitment to continue listening to, upholding, and valuing the voices and lived experience of our staff, service users, volunteers, and community partners. It has simultaneously reaffirmed our commitment to lifelong DEI learning and growth as an organization.
To this effect, we are examining our governance practices, policies, programs, and operations through a DEI lens in order to support a structural shift toward being an equitable organization. We seek to offer services and supports that improve the experience and equitable outcomes of the individuals and communities who seek our services. The Senior Leadership, Governance Committee of the Board and a newly established Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee have been tasked with organizational responsibility, discernment, and accountability as we pursue this vision.
In practice, our commitment to DEI at Springboard entails:
Addressing Anti-Black Racism
Using DEI/ABR Consistently
Ongoing Learning
Addressing Systemic Discrimination Openly
Addressing Harm
Transparency
