Diversity (I.D.E.A.)

I.D.E.A. at SDCYB

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility

Strategy & Vision

SDCYB is striving to create and maintain an inclusive organization where everyone feels welcome and valued.  We want to be innovative and productive as we deliver programming to our constituency, and attention to diversity and inclusion strategies will only make us stronger.  The more we collaborate and value everyone's differences, the closer we get to achieving a truly inclusive community.  Recognizing and initiating diversity and inclusion strategy provides SDCYB with a road map to create a sense of belonging and inclusive culture.  To help achieve this, we need the commitment of the SDCYB Leadership and staff to understand what we are trying to achieve, to work together with our constituency to collect information and feedback and most importantly, for everyone involved to be open to change.  This strategy is everyone's responsibility.  Success is the creation of an organizational culture and demographic makeup that resembles the constituency and communities in which they live.

Purpose of the I.D.E.A. Plan

The plan is a living document with goals and objectives to access, implement and achieve, complete with focus areas identified in order to embrace a fully diverse and inclusive organization both administratively and within all aspects of artistic programming.  The plan focuses on internal staff and Board, as well as the constituency in which we serve.  This plan provides a shared direction and commitment so we can all work together to respect and value our diverse constituency and build a more inclusive organization.  The plan consists of 3 key goals and identifies the objectives and actions SDCYB will take over the next two years in order to achieve those goals.  It outlines the key roles and responsibilities, and how we will track and communicate progress, as well as measure success.

GOAL 1: DEMONSTRATE ACCOUNTABILITY, COMMITMENT, AND INVOLVEMENT WITH REGARD TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND STAFF COMMITMENT 

OBJECTIVE - Convey the critical importance of diversity & inclusion in messaging & behaviors

• Action 1: Create and maintain a Diversity & Inclusion Committee consisting of SDCYB staff, board members, parents, alumni and community volunteers for ongoing conversation, feedback, and the creation and review of an action and accountability plan

• Action 2: Annual survey of constituency, including staff, board members, parents/guardians, students, alumni and patrons to collect demographic information and feedback on the knowledge and experience of diversity and inclusion as it relates to SDCYB

• Action 3: Identify and address barriers that could lead to lower retention of underrepresented groups, and then assess factors leading to constituent's decision to leave or stay SDCYB

• Action 4: Commit to evaluate policies and procedures both operationally and artistically throughout organization as they relate to diversity & inclusion and make changes when necessary - implement strategies to identify and address bias in programs, policies, and practices

• Action 5: Provide communication with our constituency and community of ongoing commitment and initiatives taking place within the organization that further elevates diversity and inclusion as a key strategic priority and reinforces leadership commitment

OBJECTIVE - Assessment, Training and Accountability of I.D.E.A. initiatives for staff and board members

• Action 1: Include commitments to diversity & inclusion goals and objectives in annual performance work plans to increase accountability for promoting and supporting identified initiatives in all programming and operations

• Action 2: Ongoing diversity & inclusion professional development requirements for staff and board members, which promotes continuous learning and discussion on I.D.E.A topics

• Action 3: Incorporate I.D.E.A. awareness into onboarding materials for staff and board members

GOAL 2 - BUILD & MAINTAIN A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE ORGANIZATION

OBJECTIVE - Define outreach and recruitment goals & objectives with increased focus on diversity & inclusion

• Action 1: Assess and coordinate recruitment strategies to maximize the ability to recruit for diverse, broad spectrum of staff, contractors, board and constituency

• Action 2: Continue to establish partnerships with appropriate organizations in order to expand to diverse populations

• Action 3: Expand marketing and communication by effectively utilizing social media and partnerships to promote opportunities among diverse populations

GOAL 3: CULTIVATE AND SUPPORT AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE 

OBJECTIVE - Cultivate a supportive, welcoming & inclusive environment

• Action 1: Identify and breakdown systemic barriers to full inclusion by embedding diversity and inclusion in policies and procedures and equipping the community to manage accountability of the organization for the best results.

• Action 2: Foster a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness to enable constituency to contribute to their potential and increase retention

• Action 3: Increase awareness, build mutually rewarding relationships and foster collaboration with a broad range of business, community, and foundation leaders and other individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

• Action 4: Assess and implement inclusive and accessable communication and pathways for feedback for constituents to participate fully

• Action 5: Maintain and develop programming that reflects constituency interests and needs