Diversity & Inclusion Plan

Recognition:

We recognize that we are a long way from the diversity we aim for within our students, staff, and partners. We want and need more diversity to truly become the organization we would like to be. We recognize that this will not happen overnight or without dedicating time, attention, and resources. To that end, we have created a strategic plan to address our current shortfalls and to make significant improvements.

Objective 1:

Create an HQ culture where diversity and inclusion initiatives are a priority, on par with marketing, risk management, and program development

  • Designate a staff member to sit on GYA diversity committee
  • Create a Diversity Team which meets semi-monthly to push forward diversity initiatives and track progress.
  • Create a diversity rubric which HQ staff will use to evaluate all decisions.
  • Complete GYA’s Diversity Self-Assessment and create an action plan for improvement.
  • Participate in GYA’s Peer Learning Groups to improve diversity and inclusion industry-wide.
  • Dedicate professional development funds each year for at least 50% of HQ staff to attend external diversity trainings to increase awareness and incorporate industry practices.
  • Actively participate in Portland’s B-Corporation community diversity initiatives.

Objective 2:

Recruit, hire, and train HQ and field staff from culturally diverse backgrounds

  • Create a Scholarship Program for culturally diverse field staff to obtain requisite certifications.
  • Re-write our field staff position description to be more inclusive. Post to job boards designed to reach a more diverse group of applicants.
  • Designate an HQ staff member on the field staff hiring committee who will follow up with all candidates, regardless of employment, to advise on gaining the necessary experience to lead a future Carpe Diem Program.
  • Design a “Training Up” Program which will help diverse staff obtain the credentials and experience needed to become Carpe Diem field staff.
  • Allocate financial resources for and implement "Training-Up" Program.

Objective 3:

Recruit and support students from diverse (cultural and socioeconomic) backgrounds

  • Increase number of Carpe Mundi students to 28, including two specialized PDXchange programs. (Representing approximately $150,000 of financial support to Carpe Mundi).
  • Increase scholarships to other, non-Carpe Mundi, low-income and racially diverse candidates to a minimum of $30,000/year.
  • Update marketing plan to include outreach to college access organizations and foundations.
  • Update marketing materials and website to include scholarships and additional fundraising advice in order to support more diverse students.