Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In the region
We embrace diversity in all its forms and seek equity and inclusion as organizational values. As regional leaders, we are committed to being proactive in engaging with diverse populations to ensure a thriving region.
In the workplace
At SMIF a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
To provide informed, authentic leadership for diversity and inclusion SMIF strives to:
- See diversity, inclusion and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve.
- Acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services, and continually update and report organization progress.
- Commit time and resources to expand diverse leadership within Board, staff, committee, and advisory bodies.
- Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all employees to embrace this notion and to express it in workplace interactions and through everyday practices.
SMIF abides by the following action items to help promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace:
- Pursue cultural competency throughout our organization by creating substantive learning opportunities and formal, transparent policies.
- Generate and aggregate quantitative and qualitative research to help make incremental, measurable progress toward the visibility of our diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts.
- Improve our cultural leadership pipeline by creating and supporting programs and policies that foster leadership that reflects the diversity of our region.
- Develop a system for being more intentional and conscious of bias during the hiring, promoting, or evaluating process. Train our hiring teams on equitable hiring practices.
- Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.
- Include a salary range with all public job descriptions.
