Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Our Pledge
Advancing Connecticut Together recognizes that combating racism and inequity is an ongoing commitment to society and a lifelong practice within our community. To ensure this work is a movement of progress and not a moment in time, the work requires both vigilance and patience in order to listen, learn, and take action. We pledge to work against racism and inequity in all forms for the safety and well-being of our employees, program partners and recipients, and the communities we serve across the state of Connecticut.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the offices of ACT sit on the historic homelands of the Sicaogs, Poquonocks, Wangunks and Tunxis. We honor, respect, and appreciate the relationship that exists among these communities, nations, lands, and waterways, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example of stewardship.
Gender/Pronouns
Language around gender identity is important. We invite our board, staff, and participants to use the pronouns that best describe their reality. For more information on pronouns, see these two videos: Best Practices for Using Pronouns in the Workplace and Preferred Gender Pronouns: What are they?
DEI Commitment
At the June 17, 2020, ACT Board meeting, the Board made a commitment to embed racial equity and justice in every level of the agency. To ensure this work was a priority they agreed to make it the focus of every Board meeting for the next 12-18 months.
Getting Started
The Board, believing that change starts at the top of the organization, held a Board retreat focused on Racial Equity and Justice that was led by trained DEI consultants. After the retreat, the Board, with assistance from the consultants, began to formulate a plan of operations to embed racial equity and justice within the structure of the entire organization. Immediate steps were taken to further diversify the membership of the Board of Directors and plans are being made to involve staff in the work as it moves forward. We will continue to be guided by the work created with our DEI consultants.
Completed Steps
We reviewed and revised our mission, vision and value statements to ensure that it reflects our commitment to racial justice and equity. A Board/staff task force has been formed that meets regularly to continue to review and revise our existing strategic plan through the lens of racial equity and justice. We have completed a staff and board analysis that captures the diversification of board and staff composition; we identified invisible barriers to diversifying our workforce such as arbitrary education level requirements; and we completed a compensation study to determine how we might unintentionally contribute to the wealth gap.
Future Action Plan
The board is committed to embedding DEI activities into all future activities and realize that this work is continual (not a one-and-done activity). For more information on ACT's DEI activities, please contact John Merz, CEO, at 860-247-2437 x314.