How a DEI Statement on your Website is about caring
Writing a sincere Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement for your website is an essential step in sharing your commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in New Hampshire. That’s because DEI is a framework aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace and community.
While diversity refers to the variety of individual uniqueness among people in a group, equity is about ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources. It's about creating a fair and level playing field and addressing historical disadvantages or systemic biases. Inclusion focuses on fostering an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued for who they are.
In New Hampshire today DEI matters because it builds towards an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive, collaborate, and contribute their unique strengths. It goes beyond just being a buzzword and represents a genuine effort to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable society. DEI statements on your website say that all are welcome, and are very powerful in attracting younger people.
Start by taking the time to understand and reflect on your organization's core values regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Consider why these principles are important to you and how they align with your overall mission and goals.
Your DEI statement should reflect your organization's authentic commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. So avoid using jargon or empty buzzwords; instead, use sincere language that accurately conveys your intentions in a direct and simple way.
Before crafting the statement, involve a diverse group of employees, stakeholders, or consultants to gather insights and perspectives. Ensure that the statement is inclusive and representative of various experiences. It should open doors, not close them.
Clearly express your organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Use strong and affirmative language to emphasize your dedication to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everybody.
To demonstrate sincerity, outline specific and measurable goals related to DEI initiatives. This shows that you are dedicated to making real progress and holding yourself accountable.
Where applicable, acknowledge any past shortcomings or lack of diversity and inclusion within your organization.
Highlight specific actions and initiatives you are implementing to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This could include employee training, diverse hiring practices, mentorship programs, or community partnerships. Transparency is key to building trust. Share the steps you are taking to measure progress, and be open about challenges and areas for improvement.
After drafting your DEI statement, be sure your board is on board, and understands the purpose and goal.
Remember, a DEI statement is not for show; it should be a reflection of your genuine framework to building an inclusive and equitable environment.
The Community Navigator Program is a statewide initiative to help coordinate efforts to reach out to small businesses that are owned or being started by historically underserved community members, specifically Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; veterans; women; disabled, formerly incarcerated; and LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people. Through the Community Navigator Program, CDFA engages with resource partners and other organizations to support focused outreach for small businesses in underserved communities - building a new network and connections.
The support to these communities is made possible through a network of established microenterprise technical assistance providers, New Hampshire's Small Business Administration office, statewide training and language-access partners, and on-the-ground community partners. Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
If you want to know more about CDFA’s Community Navigator Program, get involved or request support for your business, visit https://www.nhcommunitynavigator.org/.