Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

GOAL

On July 21, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a motion to develop and implement a plan to create diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) awareness programs for the board, our members, and the community.

DEFINITIONS

Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability, or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. (Ferris State University website)

Equity is defined as the state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair.  The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice. It is helpful to think of equity as not simply a desired situation or a lofty value. To be achieved and sustained, equity needs to be thought of as a structural and systemic concept.

Inclusion is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. More than simply diversity and numerical representation, inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging.

PROGRAMS

The Chamber will create and track the following programs, organized by the audience they impact.

The GLACC Board of Directors

1. Board DEI training program: reading books and discussing, sharing resources, bringing in outside experts, sending board members to external educational opportunities.
2. Board nominating process: Improve the diversity of the board during the annual board nominating recruiting and selection process.
3. Board policies: review Board policies to ensure they reflect DEI.

Our Members

1. Leadership Grand Ledge
2. Website DEI resources
3. Create method for tracking racial and ethnic diversity of members

The Community (non-member organizations and the residents)

1. Create operational processes, procedures, practices, and tracking to ensure all events are inclusive by reviewing the event itself, the marketing, the vendors, the volunteers working the event
2. Website DEI resources
3. GLACC representative for City Initiative of Grand Ledge United