Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

Diverse participants in leadership roles, initiatives, and programming.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are the essence of who we are at CA. Our foundational mission is to foster a community and workforce where every individual, regardless of their background or affiliation, feels a profound sense of belonging and enjoys an enriched quality of life.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) has been designated as the first area of Strategic Emphasis to highlight the importance of promoting the fair treatment and participation of groups that have been underrepresented historically or have been subjected to discrimination based on their identity and/or disability.

Our consideration of Diversity encompasses Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Identity and Ability.  Our goal is to ensure inclusivity in all aspects, including leadership roles, employment, programming, and every other area of our work.

Equity is the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and access to ensure that everyone has what they need to succeed.  Equity is different from equality, which is when everything is distributed evenly among people.  Equity recognizes that people have different starting points in life and aims to provide resources and opportunities to help everyone achieve their full potential.

When we talk about Inclusion, we mean creating a space where everyone, no matter their background or identity, feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully. This involves allowing individuals to be their true selves without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Belonging refers to the feeling of being accepted, valued and blended into the fabric of a group or community.  Inclusion involves having access and being present, but belonging goes beyond by ensuring individuals feel seen, heard and appreciated for who they are.

This emphasis will involve recognizing and appreciating our differences, promoting diversity and inclusion in our actions and decision making, addressing unconscious bias, ensuring that policies, practices and physical environment are accessible to people with disabilities, and open communication to create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns without fear of judgement as well as clear channels for raising concerns related to inclusion.