Definitions and Approaches

What do we mean by our "approaches"? Let's explore...

Intersectional: We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all identities and work to resist singular or trendy approaches that favor one group/identity over others.

Embedded: We are committed to the complex work of creating policies and processes that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Embodied: We are committed to work that takes place not only structurally but also within human bodies. This means that individual, interior exploration and change is a necessity for DEI work. Because human bodies are limited, this approach also means refusing to objectify humans with too much, inappropriate, or unjust work even if the purported aim of that work is justice.

Expansive: We commit to open-minded, both/and (non-binary, non-dual, diunital) approaches, and reject supremacy culture’s insistence on “one right way”.

What do we mean by DEI? The Definitions...

Diversity: Diversity refers primarily to social (identity-based) demographics in a given group or space. Collecting diversity data can begin to answer the question “In our group/space, who gets to be in the room/at the table where collaboration, decision-making, and celebration occurs?”

 Equity: Equity refers to a state in which accessibility and applicability of resources are available to everyone. Equity is primarily concerned with answering the question, In our group/space, how easy or difficult is it for someone to get in the room/to the table where collaboration, decision-making, and celebration occurs?”

Inclusion: Inclusion refers to the efforts devoted to ensuring that there is authentic collaboration and power-sharing when people bring their full selves. Inclusion is primarily concerned with the question, “In our space, do people, especially those who have been historically marginalized*,  get to belong, participate, and hold power in the room/at the table when they bring their full selves (identity, culture, traditions)?”  

*The NASW Code of Ethics specifies the following identity categories that might be subject to marginalization: race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.