Diversity Initiative

Children’s Friend is committed to becoming an effective multicultural organization. We believe that it is important to reflect and honor the many cultures and backgrounds of the individuals and families who live and work in the communities we serve.

It is not enough to recruit staff and board members whose ethnic backgrounds reflect these communities. The agency also strives to create an environment where everyone feels included and valued, and where diversity is an enriching experience that strengthens the organization and the work that we do.

Diversity work is not easy, given our nation’s history of racial, ethnic, and religious oppression and discrimination. Everyone brings their own prejudices regarding those who are different from themselves to the workplace, and individuals tend to be most comfortable with people who are similar to themselves.

We are determined to play a significant role in challenging bias and promoting understanding and mutual learning at Children’s Friend. We must be deliberate about addressing prejudice and insensitive behavior, and encouraging learning and respect in our organization. The Diversity Committee plays a leading role in this agency wide initiative, supported by the Hiring and Mentoring Subcommittees.

~Our Goals~

1. Acknowledge and celebrate the diversity that exists within the organization.

2. Develop high-quality training programs and provide information regarding diversity and the process of transforming Children’s Friend into an effective multi-cultural organization.

3. Create an atmosphere that promotes respect, safety, and mutual learning about diversity/differences, and address challenging issues within the organization.

4. Continually assess the organization’s progress in becoming an effective multicultural organization.