Bridging’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Statement

At Bridging, we value unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences ensuring that everyone- clients, volunteers, staff, board, donors, agency and community partners – feel that they are welcome and are a part of the Bridging community. We value the dignity and inclusion of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, abilities, sexual orientation, life experiences or any other identities, and seek to learn and celebrate differences. We believe that creating an inclusive environment based on respect, trust and service are integral to how we serve clients, support the team, and achieve our mission.

Bridging recognizes that we have a responsibility to center equity in our work.  Therefore, Bridging strives to make our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging evident in our environment, policies, processes, staff, and volunteers. In order to integrate these crucial competencies throughout our organization’s culture, we commit to the following:

• Fostering an environment that supports, engages and includes people with different racial, cultural, economic, ages and religious backgrounds as well as those with varying physical abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
• Diversifying and tapping into partnerships beyond traditional allies and constituencies.
• Entering intercultural relationships with humility, prepared to listen, learn, follow their lead, and adapt our methods and practices to achieve mutual benefit.
• Recruiting, hiring, retaining, and developing a culturally competent team whose demographics more closely mirror those of our Twin Cities community.
• Ensuring Bridging policies and procedures are welcoming and do not further inequities.

APPROVED by Board of Directors: December, 2018, revised April, 2023