YNPN Greater Bflo’s Strategy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Statement of Purpose
YNPN Greater Bflo acknowledges that the systematic oppression of various groups of people exists in the nonprofit sector and our society as a whole. This has led to the discrimination and a lack of opportunity for individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and more. In order to build a diverse and powerful social sector, YNPN Greater Bflo not only stands against systematic oppression, but stands with movements that fight for justice.
We believe Black Lives Matter. We celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. We fight for equal pay for women.
This is a small sample of what our chapter believes will guide us in serving as an INCLUSIVE resource. Furthermore, we must live using the values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in order to eliminate discrimination and create equal opportunities in the nonprofit sector. The purpose of this living document is to hold our chapter accountable in weaving EDI into our work and eventually guide us toward a sector and a society that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
EDI STRATEGIES
Develop programming, online content, and events that are inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all:
- Collaborate with EDI friendly & minority owned locations
- Venues are centrally located, are accessible via public transportation/bicycle and have close-proximity parking
- Locations in under-served neighborhoods
- Pricing is affordable for young professionals of all backgrounds
- Programming and events are afforded at a variety of days/times to maximize the number and variety of people in attendance
- In-person and online content feature diverse voices so that everyone sees their experiences and identities reflected in our content
- The diversity of Buffalo’s neighborhoods, and the nonprofit organizations within them is highlighted in our programming, content and events
- Utilize our website and social media presence to highlight the achievements of our diverse membership and the organizations in which they work
Engage in sustainable, strategic partnerships with other people, groups and organizations that support and enhance our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion:
- Provide opportunities for members and nonmembers from diverse backgrounds to network and connect with one another
- Target sponsors who share the same values as YNPN Greater Bflo
- Seek educational opportunities on EDI from voices within and outside of the sector
Build and maintain a leadership team and membership that is inclusive of the community we serve:
- Membership to YNPN Greater Bflo remains open to all, regardless of age, experience or place of employment.
- Price of a year long membership is affordable for young professionals in the sector.
- Promote membership to a variety of individuals and organizations in Western New York
- Specifically target underrepresented populations for membership
- Leadership Team (Board of Directors and Ambassadors) applications are accessible and do not implicitly or explicitly preference experiences, education or personality characteristics that are unrelated to performing the job
- Role expectations and organizational norms are accessible
- Remote participation is available for everyone
- The expectation of a donation and/or annual gift is not a barrier to applying
- The Leadership Team (Board of Directors; Ambassadors) reflects the diversity of Buffalo and the Western New York community and brings a variety of cultural, social and professional perspectives to help address some of our community’s complex issues
- An intentional and explicitly inclusive environment is established through organizational norms, educational opportunities and a commitment to assessing our progress toward our vision
Actively participate in public conversations about justice, as it relates to the work and members of YNPN Greater Bflo, and the communities we serve:
- Strive to address current events that create systemic barriers to specific groups of people
- Advocate against policies and practices that create systemic barriers to our sector, such as low wages and implicit bias
- YNPN Greater Bflo Leadership Team members have the tools and vocabulary to understand the importance of EDI in YNPN Greater Bflo’s work and to make EDI a priority in their workplace
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