What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Diversity
Diversity encompasses all the ways in which people differ from one another. This includes, but is not limited to, social identities such as racial and ethnic identity, gender, sexuality, nation of origin, age, language, ability, and religious/non-religious identities. This can also include additional dimensions, sometimes referred to as ‘achieved identities,’ such as veteran status, socioeconomic status, and marital status, and differences like personality, learning styles, or life experience. The Fair and Impartial Foundation recognizes that individuals have multiple intersecting identities which holistically impact their lives, experiences, and perspectives. We can all improve the climate and culture of our workplaces.
Equity
Equity is used to describe the establishment of fair and unbiased access to resources, programs, and opportunities for both participation and advancement for all people regardless of identity or group membership. Equity is both a process and an outcome. From a process perspective, equity is achieved by making systemic changes to structural barriers by developing and implementing procedures and processes through a socially conscious and social justice-oriented lens that seeks to address historical imbalances in power, representation, and access. From an outcomes perspective, equity is achieved through a fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and evidence of support for the most vulnerable communities at the intersections of protected characteristics. The Fair and Impartial Foundation has committed to numerous equity efforts including programs and services that address trauma, truth, and reconciliation activities.
Inclusion
Inclusion describes the active, intentional, and ongoing creation of an environment that is welcoming to any individual or group, so that they are celebrated, respected, and supported. In an inclusive environment, difference (be it cultural, social, intellectual, generational, neurological, varying mobilities, etc.) is seen as an opportunity for engagement and connection that can increase self-awareness, knowledge, empathy, and understanding. Inclusion is achieved when individuals of all identities are active contributors to the community. The Fair and Impartial Foundation acknowledges the ways in which inequities are embedded in space, laws, and procedures that must be addressed inclusion practices.
Belonging
Belonging describes an individual’s perceived social support in the organization, a feeling of connectedness, and an experience of feeling accepted, respected, and valued both by ones peers and within the broader community. The Fair and Impartial Foundation highlights the practice of amplification in which every voice within the organization is acknowledged and heard. Creating a culture in which belonging is at the forefront prevents methods of social exclusion.