Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Integral to Our Mission

For more than 130 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston has provided youth in Boston and Chelsea a place to be authentically themselves.

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Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion matter at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) is a place unlike any other for Boston and Chelsea. BGCB builds tomorrow’s leaders by sustaining communities today. As an organization we have the opportunity and responsibility to close the opportunity gap by addressing inequities head-on. BGCB marries its values and embodies principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programming, initiatives, and a place for children and teens to be authentically themselves. Surrounded by positive mentors and adults, members are equipped to become the leaders of tomorrow as happy, productive adults who care and have an impact as leaders in their communities and beyond.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) understands and prioritizes the value of creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for our members. Through innovative programming and attentive mentorship, we strive to create a safe haven for our members from all backgrounds to thrive and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. BGCB is constantly evolving, listening, and learning to meet the needs of our communities and achieve the success our members.

Diversity

Diversity means seeing and accepting, without bias, all human characteristics, experiences, and identities that make us unique as individuals and members of cultures and communities.

Equity

Equity means the process of discovering, creating, and providing what is required, requested, and measured by each human to feel equal.

Inclusion

Inclusion means ensuring everyone is invited to contribute, be seen, be heard, feel valued, and be counted in a way that is safe and makes sense for them.

BGCB’s core values shape our culture, define who we are, and how our organization wishes to be perceived.

Each and every day, our staff embody the character of BGCB through their work. Individually, we live the core values through our behaviors. They serve as the foundation for how we act and make decisions as an organization:

Youth First: We keep youth at the forefront of every action and decision, striving to elevate youths’ voices

Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty and transparency and strive to do the right thing every day, every time.

Community: We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the inherent dignity and worth of all and celebrating diversity.

Equity: We commit to providing opportunities and creating just outcomes which honor the needs, experiences, and values of our community, especially those with marginalized identities.

Innovation: We apply a forward-thinking approach that encourages teamwork, adaptability, and creativity to address today’s challenges and build a positive future.

To strengthen our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we at BGCB have prioritized five key focus areas. These focus areas are essential in authentically living out our mission.

Education

We believe in continuous education and training for all staff. In providing robust, dynamic, and continuous educational opportunities for staff, we strive to strengthen our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Culture

At BGCB, culture is tantamount. Our top priority is to build a safe and positive culture for our members and families.

Policy

We engage in consistent reflection, ensuring that our policies and practices are aligned with our mission. The work of building inclusive spaces for all is not solely in our personal interactions, but how we as an organization act and conduct ourselves.

Transparency

We prioritize transparency and integrity. At BGCB we strive to enhance our culture of transparency, recognizing that a culture of transparency is one that inspires transformation and change.

Communication

Effective communication, including listening, is vital to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Communication is a foundational element of meeting our mission.

Our Staff

Leadership of Color

Our Membership

of members identify as a person of color

of members say people at the Club accept them for who they are

of teens say BGCB taught them to respect people with different, cultures, opinions, and beliefs

Our Partners

of career readiness program presenters identify as a person of color

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Committee is a group of representatives from across the organization including our five freestanding Clubs, YouthConnect, and the Main Office.

The IDEA Committee intentionally examines BGCB’s business practices, including official processes, decision-making, structures, and culture, to find ways to impart the values of DEI as they related to recruiting, hiring, training, and supporting staff; philanthropic supporters and boards; Club members and families; external partners program partners; and vendors.

Timeline:

Goals:

The IDEA Committee is presently seeking to advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion at BGCB by focusing on specific goals that mirror the organizational strategy for DEI.

Presently, the IDEA Committee is focused on three of the five focus areas, Education & Training, Policy, and Communication.

Education & Training: The IDEA Committee is presently crafting the education that all new employees receive at New Hire Orientation with respect to inclusivity, and in addition, are creating a series of interactive workshops across the organization for the 2022-2023 Program Year.

Policy: The IDEA Committee is presently looking at ways to adequately address the impact of microaggressions in the workplace through restorative and educational practices.

Communication: The IDEA Committee is presently working on strengthening the communication of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts by creating internal newsletters and regular updates on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the organization.

To learn more about the IDEA Committee connect with Nick Sailor.

Donuts & DEI

Donuts & DEI is a monthly initiative that brings members of the main office together over Donuts to discuss important DEI related topics.

DEI Goals & Performance Reviews

Each employee at BGCB is required to have one DEI-specific goal as part of their annual goals. Nick Sailor has offered training and support for supervisors at BGCB on creating and supporting existing DEI goals.

DEI Books Grant

Boston Scientific, a long-standing supporter of BGCB, has given BGCB $10,000 as a grant for books for our members that support cultural awareness, equity, and inclusion. We have partnered with Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury to fulfill this order and hope to create an event with Boston Scientific and Frugal Bookstore in celebration of this great collaboration.

The DEI Library

The D.E.I. Library a cubicle-turned-library in the main office that is curated with books purchased from Frugal Bookstore that aim to support the learning objectives for the main office. The D.E.I Library has plans to be expanded to clubs, with financial opportunities to sponsor the library.

Annual DEI Survey

In collaboration with the IDEA Committee and the Director of Evaluation and Outcomes, we are currently working on the 2^nd Annual DEI Survey. This survey will build on the initial IDE Fall Survey done in 2020, with plans to have frequent pulse checks for more frequent feedback.