We invite you to learn more about ACMA’s ongoing commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ACMA takes this commitment seriously. While we acknowledge that this is a process of ongoing learning, we aspire to adopt tangible, sustainable DEI policies and practices that are guided by our organizational mission and rooted in our values. We believe that these policies and practices will strengthen our ability to carry out our three guiding organizational principles:
- Project leadership and excellence
- Thought leadership and business development
- Organizational leadership
DIVERSITY
Within our organization, ACMA views diversity through a broad lens of many lived and professional experiences – including race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status, military background, disabilities, language, educational pathways, and interdisciplinary expertise. In a diverse environment, we believe that individuals with these unique voices and viewpoints must be heard and honored in meaningful, substantive ways.
In our project work, we view diversity from the starting point of race, ethnicity, and gender. We have adopted this lens because so many individuals in the communities where we work face seemingly impenetrable structural inequities, at which race, ethnicity, and gender are at the core. While race, ethnicity, and gender are prevalent in our current portfolio of projects, we anticipate drawing from what we learn in these engagements to address a broader definition of diversity over time.
EQUITY
Equity exists when individuals, in any community or organization, have equal opportunity to overcome structural barriers and achieve success. When equity is present, all perspectives are acknowledged and considered, and people can truly exercise agency and power when making decisions that affect their lives.
INCLUSION
Inclusion exists when barriers to participation in decision-making processes are eliminated. In an inclusive environment, everyone has the space to equally voice their perspective, regardless of background, when making decisions. As well, all points of view have equal consideration when solving problems or implementing solutions.
As a fundamental component of our commitment to DEI, ACMA adheres to a comprehensive non-discrimination policy. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religious or spiritual affiliation or non-religious or spiritual affiliation, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, health, source of income, urban or rural geographic connection, familial class, immigration status, or status as a veteran in our employment practices, client engagements, and activities.
We look forward to working closely with our team and community partners to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to each of our endeavors. And we encourage our counterparts in the social sector to check their biases, misconceptions, and gaps in knowledge, in order to contribute to a productive and open dialogue.
ACMA’s Current Policy On Diversity And Inclusion
Non-Discrimination
ACMA shall actively recruit, engage and serve members from every race, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability and shall not discriminate in the requirements for employment, board recruitment, provision of service or support or in its policies or actions.
Demographics
In keeping with ACMA’s core values regarding nondiscrimination and with applicable federal law, ACMA shall include in bylaws, operating policies and procedures and other relevant policy documents, explicit statements that require the organization to embrace the broadest possible definition of inclusion and nondiscrimination.
Confidentiality
ACMA shall collect a baseline of staff, interns and board members’ voluntarily supplied demographic information. Systems shall be put in place to protect the confidentiality of this information; demographic information will only be reported in the aggregate.
Outreach
ACMA will reach out to and welcome the community at large through our recruitment, marketing, public education, awareness activities and programs. ACMA will strive to support recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive team and leadership.
