Beyond Taking a Stand: Actions for DEI at Kids In Crisis

Main Themes of Today's Podcast

Kids In Crisis's (KIC) approach to DEI is built on three pillars:

• Diversity: Celebrating and valuing differences in backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Equity: Actively addressing systemic barriers and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities.
• Inclusion: Creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Key Actions and Commitments

• Data-Driven Progress: KIC is committed to using data to track their progress, identify disparities, and ensure their programs are equitable and effective.
• "This year, we're taking our commitment to the next level: We're disaggregating data to adjust our programming goals, ensuring we keep pace with our communities' changing needs."
• Transparency and Accountability: KIC promises transparency in their DEI journey and holds themselves accountable for continuous improvement.
• "We promise to keep getting better. We'll keep checking on our progress, face any challenges head-on, and always be honest about where we can improve."
• Internal and External Focus: KIC emphasizes both internal efforts (staff training, inclusive hiring practices) and external efforts (community partnerships, advocating for policy changes) to promote DEI.
• "We're constantly learning, with training programs on immigration, racism, and human trafficking. We partner with local experts to ensure our approaches are top-notch."
• Intentional Journey: KIC emphasizes their DEI work is an ongoing journey, not a destination. They are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• "Kids In Crisis has been on an intentional journey to assess how our organization can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion as values for our sector."

Important Considerations

KIC provides a list of crucial questions for organizations embarking on a DEI journey:

• Transparency: How will the organization communicate its DEI values and progress internally and externally?
• Authentic Inclusion: How will marginalized communities have a voice and influence within the organization?
• Equitable Hiring: How will the organization diversify its staff and board recruitment processes?
• Integration of Values: How will DEI be integrated into staff and volunteer onboarding, partnerships, and program design?
• Progress Assessment: How will the organization measure and evaluate its DEI progress?

Conclusion

KIC's approach to DEI is comprehensive and action-oriented. By focusing on data-driven progress, transparency, and continuous learning, they aim to create a truly equitable and inclusive environment for the children and families they serve.