(Posted 2022 January)
Cultivating Seeds of Equity and Justice is delighted to celebrate its one-year anniversary. In recognition that an equitable society is one in which racial and social disparities do not exist, this feature was created as a platform for volunteers to remain connected and informed about DSVS’ efforts to mitigate racial inequities and promote social justice in all aspects of its work.
The DSVS Equity Impact Team is delighted to welcome new members into the fold.
Alaha Ahrar (DSVS Advocacy Services), Keesha Coke (DSVS Community Engagement Services), and Gretchen Soto (DSVS Clinical Services) spent the first year laying the foundation for the team’s work. Now, we have expanded our Equity Impact Team membership to include Christopher Davies (Counseling Services), Andrea Nunes-Gardner (ADAPT), Pamela Ononiwu (Cross-Program Support), Abby Picard (Countywide Coordination), Heather Potter (ADAPT), and Stacy Ziebell (Countywide Coordination).
As we embark on our second year of publication, it’s befitting to focus on DSVS’ Equity and Social Justice goals for the upcoming year. These include:
- Serve with proficiency historically and currently marginalized populations, increasing the diversity of clients in all programs and services (direct and systems’ services).
- Leverage existing partnerships with organizations/community groups that serve historically and currently marginalized populations to better serve these populations.
- Transform workforce in knowledge base, skill set, diversity, and in ability to have courageous conversations (with accountability).
The Equity Team is responsible for operationalizing the DSVS Equity and Social Justice priority area.
We value our volunteers and recognize your services and support are critical to our work. We have integrated opportunities for you to actively participate, and in the upcoming months, you will be invited to share your feedback and knowledge. Your partnership is key to DSVS realizing its equity and social justice goals.
We wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to our continued collaboration in advancing racial and social equity for the populations DSVS serves.
–Equity Impact Team
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).