At CPA, our commitment to Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (BEDI) is unwavering and deeply rooted in our mission. As many of you know, these principles are not new to our organization, but we are continually evolving to ensure everyone feels valued and welcomed.
In our efforts, we have developed a comprehensive Workplace Equity and Anti-Discrimination Policy that complies with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) standards. We have ensured that all language included in the policy is legally sound and inclusive. To make this policy more actionable, we have condensed it into a BEDI pledge. This pledge is a tangible commitment to uphold the values of belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our daily interactions and decision-making processes.
We recognize that conversations around topics such as discrimination, racism, and harassment are serious and vulnerable. Addressing these issues is crucial to our mission, and we want to create a space where these discussions can take place with respect and openness. As a small token of gratitude for those who pledge to uphold our BEDI commitment, we are providing an “I took the BEDI pledge” button to each staff member, board director, and administrator who signs the pledge.
Additionally, we are creating a BEDI poster to visually represent our shared values across all programs. It’s essential that this poster reflects the diverse voices and perspectives of our team. To ensure this, we are visiting all programs to gather your feedback on its design. Your insights will shape our collaboration with a Prison Arts Artist to bring this vision to life.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to making CPA a place where everyone feels they belong. We want to reassure you that our BEDI commitment is here to stay. Your voices, actions, and support are what sustain our mission and values.