June 15, 2021 11:23 AM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Introduction
WorldOregon’s mission is to broaden and deepen public awareness and understanding of international affairs, engaging the people of Oregon and SW Washington with the world —and with each other.
In early 2021 as part of the organization’s current strategic plan, WorldOregon established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ad Hoc Work Group composed of diverse individuals representing different identities and lived experiences from the Board of Trustees, Board of Advisors, and Young Professionals Steering Committee —with staff support. The DEI Ad Hoc Work Group was dedicated to shaping the organization’s new two-year strategic plan, ensuring our programming is accessible, inclusive, and intentionally seeks to engage with the community —with a focus on building relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Facilitated by DEI consultant Cinthia Manuel, Autentica Consulting, and utilizing internal work conducted in 2020 and intensive training and discussions with WorldOregon Boards and staff in late 2020 and early 2021, the DEI Ad Hoc Work Group, in coordination with the Nominations & Strategic Planning Committee, created a DEI statement to guide the organization with a new strategic plan with a DEI focus.
We see this as the beginning of WorldOregon’s DEI journey, and we will share updates from time to time on our progress.
Here is WorldOregon’s DEI statement – approved by the Board of Trustees on June 9, 2021:
DEI Statement
1. OUR MISSION: WorldOregon’s mission is to connect the people in Oregon and SW Washington with the world.
a. For us to authentically and responsibly live out our mission, we have embarked on a diversity, equity, and inclusion journey that prioritizes identifying, challenging, and addressing how white supremacy, racism, injustice, and exclusion have been historically and systemically embedded into the institutions, programs, services, and policies that benefit privileged individuals and communities – including WorldOregon.
2. CHALLENGING NORMS: Our new direction and commitment to our mission will require WorldOregon to challenge our current systems and norms, to learn the history of exclusion in our region/state, so we can actively and genuinely engage with communities of all abilities, ages, countries of origin [including refugees and immigrants], ethnicities, gender identities, nationalities, races, religions, and sexual identities – and practice cultural humility.
a. Through consultation and organizational development, education, and examination, we seek to utilize an equity lens, inciting change and transformation with Staff, Trustees, Advisors, donors, members, and the community - with an immediate and intentional focus on strengthening and deepening relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
b. Taking this first step is an integral part to setting a strong foundation in the pursuit to become an anti-racist organization.
3. OUR ACTIONS: We are outcome-focused, and we know we have to put our time and money where our intentions are as part of this commitment.
a. This work will be backed up by financial commitment, time, and support - and include outreach centered on communities with which we seek to grow our engagement and deepen new and existing partnerships.
b. This is why, as of June 9, 2021, WorldOregon’s new strategic plan establishes a standing diversity, equity, and inclusion committee of the Board of Trustees, working with staff, to ensure we have meaningful metrics and goals to make measurable organizational progress and to embed this ethos in the organization’s DNA.
4. OUR COMMITMENT: We know this journey will not be easy, and it will not happen overnight.
a. This requires us to be accountable and remain engaged, even when it gets difficult and uncomfortable.
b. We need to work with the community to together create new opportunities to authentically and genuinely engage the diversity and lived experiences of each of us.
c. Because that is how we can be fully part of and respect the vibrant local and global multicultural communities in Oregon and SW Washington.