Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Statement
At The Well, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is deeply embedded in our mission, vision, and values. Guided by healing-centered practices, our mission is to Connect, Care, Cultivate, Curate, Celebrate, and Champion for Well-Being within our community. Through carefully curated events that encourage connection, education, growth opportunities, partnership building, advocacy, and providing essential care services, we envision a community that is safe, well, and joyful.
Born of our historical commitment to serve under-represented populations through our healing and advocacy work, The Well pledges to confront racial bigotry, white supremacy, religious hatred, attacks on LGBTQ+, and other forms of hate, in a direct and active manner. The Well’s Board of Directors, staff, and statewide agency staff pledge to commit ourselves to promoting and defending diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, in all aspects of our work.
The goal of DEIB is to create an environment that ensures everyone can thrive. This entails dismantling biased systems and adopting an authentic culture of respect—with resources, policies, systems, structures, and practices that provide equity in opportunities and outcomes, leading individuals to feel valued and supported for who they are.
While our programming is inherently inclusive and systemically formulated to address the most under-resourced members of society, it is through our continued education and reflection that we recognize there is always more that can be done. With this understanding, The Well and its members commit to continuing to fight poverty and strengthen communities within an intentional framework of DEIB. We commit to addressing these matters at the individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels. We pledge to hold ourselves accountable to the below commitments as we work together to build real and lasting change.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Commitments
Annual Healing While Black/DEIB Roundtable: We commit to convening annual network-wide DEIB Roundtable meetings to share best practices, resources, and progress, and to hold ourselves accountable to our DEIB commitments through a healing-centered lens.
DEIB Training and Education: In alignment with our dedication to education and empowerment, we commit to providing DEIB training and education opportunities to our network, fostering discussions on inclusive solutions, anti-oppression practices, and strategies for advancing social justice.
Embedding DEIB in Community Action: Grounded in our mission to cultivate and champion well-being, we commit to integrating a DEIB lens into all of our community initiatives, ensuring that our work actively contributes to dismantling systems of oppression and advancing social justice.
Addressing DEIB Internally and Externally: Reflecting our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, we commit to fostering an environment free from discrimination based on any protected identities, and to actively challenging systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality.
Culture of Openness and Accountability: Rooted in our commitment to transparency and collaboration, we commit to fostering a culture where feedback, communication, and collaboration on DEIB and social justice issues are not only encouraged but prioritized.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Building on our belief in the power of collective action, we commit to using our platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for systemic change, and promoting policies that advance social justice, equality, and human rights.
Diversifying Staffing and Providing Professional Development: Guided by our mission to champion well-being, we commit to actively recruiting and retaining staff from diverse backgrounds, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and creating pathways for leadership and advancement within our organization.
Allocating Resources: Aligned with our mission to cultivate and champion well-being, we commit to allocating financial and human resources to DEIB and social justice efforts, integrating this work into all levels of our operations and decisions, and prioritizing initiatives that address systemic barriers to equity and justice.
At The Well, we recognize that our journey towards social justice and equity is ongoing and complex. We are committed to continuously learning, growing, and evolving as we work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Policy
The Well is unwavering in our commitment to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in every facet of our organization. Our mission, rooted in healing-centered practices, is to Connect, Care, Cultivate, Curate, Celebrate, and Champion for Well-Being within our community. We understand the paramount importance of cultivating spaces that are not only diverse and inclusive but also equitable across all identities, as enshrined in our DEIB policy.
Diversity at The Well spans a rich tapestry of identities, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, neurodiversity, disability, and socio-economic status. We cherish and honor the unique perspectives and lived experiences that each individual brings to our community.
Inclusion is not just a principle but a cornerstone of our DEIB policy. We wholeheartedly value, respect, and actively encourage the full participation of every individual in our leadership, practices, and partnerships. Our commitment is to foster an environment where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every person feels empowered to contribute to our collective mission.
Equity lies at the heart of our DEIB endeavors. We acknowledge the pervasive impact of historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities that have erected barriers to opportunity for many individuals and communities. Therefore, we are resolute in our determination to implement processes and practices that ensure all people, irrespective of background or circumstance, have equal opportunities to contribute, develop, and thrive within our organization.
As an organization and as stewards of our community, we affirm our unwavering commitment to these principles. They will not only guide but define every aspect of our work, from our vision and mission to our practices, partnerships, programming, governance, and board composition.
We adamantly reject and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying within our organization. We are resolutely dedicated to cultivating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every individual can flourish and realize their full potential.
Dr. LaDonna N. Butler, Founder & Chief Executive Officer - The Well, Inc.