Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Policy Purpose:

This policy affirms START’s commitment to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive organizational culture that encompasses our legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and board members.

Policy Statement:

  • START is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

  • START will ensure that the provision of our programs and services are fair and equal to all individuals, regardless of their identities.

  • START will encourage and support staff and volunteer training and development to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) awareness and skills.

Definitions:

Diversity: Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among people, including race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, mental or physical ability or disability, and learning style.

Equity: The process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial and fair, and provide equal opportunities and possible outcomes for any given individual.

Inclusion: The practice of creating atmosphere that ensures that all individuals and groups are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued as their authentic selves.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): A process of actively working to create meaningful change in the degree to which marginalized individuals or groups are able to participate fully in an organization or society.

Responsibilities:

All staff, volunteers, and board members are responsible for the success of this policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of START not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

START will take affirmative action to ensure that the EOE policy is implemented, with particular regard to: advertising, application procedures, compensation, demotion, employment, fringe benefits, job assignment, job classification, layoff, leave, promotion, recruitment, rehire, social activities, training, termination, transfer, upgrade, and working conditions.

START will continue to make it understood by the employment entities with which it deals, and in employment opportunity announcements that the foregoing is company policy and all employment decisions are based on individual merit only.

All current employees of START are requested to encourage qualified disabled persons, minorities, special disabled veterans, and Vietnam Era veterans to apply for employment, on the job training or for union accommodations for qualified disabled individuals.

It is the policy of START to ensure and maintain a working environment free of coercion, harassment, and intimidation at all job sites, and in all facilities at which employees are assigned to work. Any violation of the policy should be immediately reported to your supervisor or to the company EOE Officer.

EOE Officer: Kaitlyn Mifflin

Address: 20 N. 13th St. Murphysboro, IL 62966

Telephone: 618-687-2378