Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Anti-Racism Statement
Everyone Matters in Berkshire County
Approved by the Board of Directors | November 19, 2021
Berkshire United Way believes that to improve people’s lives and our community, we must strive to ensure that the staff, board of directors, volunteers, and partner organizations reflect and include the communities we serve. Berkshire United Way commits itself to enriching community experiences through the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practices.
To value diversity is to respect and appreciate all race, religion, skin color, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, age, parental status, work and behavioral styles, and to respect the varied perspectives of each individual, as shaped by their origin and experience.
To be inclusive is to leverage diversity by bringing together unique individual backgrounds to address the issues facing our communities collectively and more effectively.
We maintain that building and sustaining equity in our county requires an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that is fully expressed in our organizations, cultures, values, norms, and behaviors and those of our partners. Our mission compels us to prioritize historically marginalized and systemically excluded people. It is necessary to focus on race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status as well as intersectional identities to end historical, social, and systemic inequities that persist in our county. We must inclusively lead, collaborate, and mobilize resources to address community needs and priorities.
Berkshire United Way will enforce its non-discrimination policy and equity minded hiring practices while promoting diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in Board and volunteer recruitment efforts and in the consideration of partnerships with community organizations.
We believe inequitable systems prevent families from living their fullest potential lives and we believe in intentionally making decisions that provide fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all. Ultimately, we strive to look beyond diversity, equity, and inclusion, and hope all people feel they belong within Berkshire County and our community.