At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored.

In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

We know that it’s not enough to say we are committed to DEI, we must also work intentionally to bring about change in our organization and in the communities we serve. In 2021, our agency launched a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee comprised of staff, board, volunteers, and community stakeholders who will be responsible for working with our agency to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This includes creating an environment that welcomes the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. The committee will maintain best practices as it relates to strategic planning, tactical execution, education and training, recruitment of volunteers/mentors, board members, staff, and hiring of diverse vendors.

Our agency provides a DEI Training Series for all staff, and we require DEI Training for our volunteers including our Governance Board, Regional Board, and Bigs.