Resolutions Northwest Diversity Policy

Resolutions Northwest (RNW) is committed to the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action in education and volunteerism.  RNW aims to provide a study and work environment for staff and volunteers that fosters fairness, equity, and respect for social and cultural diversity, and that is free from discrimination and harassment.

In fulfilling this commitment, Resolutions Northwest will:

1. provide equal opportunity by removing barriers to participation and progression in all programs so that all people have the opportunity to fully contribute
2. promote clear and accountable educational polices and practices to engender trust between staff, mentors and volunteers
3. enhance the quality of staff and volunteers’ professional growth through the provision of culturally, socially and gender inclusive education in areas such as curricula, teaching methods, assessment and review provisions, as needed
4. ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of their rights and their responsibilities within Resolutions Northwest
5. foster a culture which values and responds to the rich diversity of its staff and volunteers

Resolutions Northwest recognizes the grounds of discrimination are:

v      age

v      disability (physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological or learning disability, physical disfigurement, the presence in the body of an organism capable of causing disease, and current, past, future or imputed disability)

v      sexual minority (homosexuality, bisexual, “queer”, not-heterosexual)

v      marital status (single, married, separated, divorced, widowed or in a de facto relationship)

v      political affiliation, views or beliefs

v      pregnancy or potential pregnancy

v      race/ethnicity (including color, descent, ethno-religious or national origin, nationality; and immigration status)

v      religious affiliation, views or beliefs

v      responsibilities as a care giver

v      sex/gender expression and identity

v      transgender or transexuality (anyone who lives, has lived, or wants to live as a member of a gender that differs from their birth gender including people who are assumed to be transgender)

v      class/economic status

v      size (including height and weight)

v      actual or implied characteristics of any of the attributes listed above; and

v      association with a person identified by reference to any of the attributes listed above.

The VISION of this statement is to be recognized as a community mediation organization which utilizes a diverse population of staff and volunteers to advance the mission of the organization.

The MISSION of this statement is to broaden and strengthen the alternative conflict resolution climate by committing to equal opportunity as a means to neutralize the inequalities created by long-standing, systemic discrimination.

The GOAL of this statement is to create an environment of inclusiveness in which all members of the community have an opportunity to achieve their highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias.

To support this goal, RNW will demonstrate a strong commitment to attract, retain, and support a diverse staff and volunteer base by:

1. providing leadership in organizing, managing, and administering an action plan for increasing diversity
2. broadening staff and volunteer recruitment
1. expand announcement of yearly volunteer training
3. increasing staff and volunteer retention
1. provide effective monitoring
2. encourage professional development
4. improving and expanding climate within the organization
1. provide opportunities for staff and volunteers to discuss concerns regarding diversity issues