As Seneca’s newest region, Seneca WA recognized early on the need to invest in building a Seneca staff culture here in the northwest. As part of that work, we invested in hiring a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the multi-talented, highly experienced John Scott. As John began on boarding into his new role, one of the first priorities he identified was the need to be intentional in defining what DEI means to us.
And, now, we offer to you, Seneca WA’s Foundational Beliefs about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
In our ongoing effort and vYision with serving all of our communities in equitable ways, and to maintain the integrity of DEI work, we have created a list of foundational beliefs that we try to remain connected to while engaging participants in conversations (and movement) about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
And, now, we offer to you, Seneca WA’s Foundational Beliefs about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
In our ongoing effort and vYision with serving all of our communities in equitable ways, and to maintain the integrity of DEI work, we have created a list of foundational beliefs that we try to remain connected to while engaging participants in conversations (and movement) about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Oppression is learned and we believe it can also be unlearned.
- Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- It takes sustained, rigorous effort and action to change systems. We will not ‘naturally’ evolve toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- People learn at their best when they embody humility and believe that they always have more to learn, remaining curious and engaged.
- Relationships are fundamental and at the heart of DEI work.
- Experiencing discomfort is a key component of transformative learning and authentic social change.
- We believe that a commitment to creating language, actions, and systems that embody DEI principles and practices will create more humane, sustainable environments and truly inclusive communities.
- Hurt people hurt people.
- Most people are well-intentioned, even while they unconsciously hurt others. Impact and outcomes matter more than intention.
- There are no easy fixes or magical solutions for DEI work.
- DEI work means having the courage to name and transform oppressive issues, including but not limited to: sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, adultism, etc.
- When our communities are truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable, we all benefit and are stronger/healthier because of it.
- Change is possible and necessary. There is hope.
Blog post written by:
John Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Washington
John Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Washington
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