Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Crossroads United Way, serving Elkhart, LaGrange & Noble Counties unequivocally denounces racism and ethnic discrimination. We strive to be a model of diversity and inclusion. Our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers reflect the many faces, cultures and walks of life that proudly make up our world.

We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We also believe that bringing diverse individuals together allows us to collectively and more effectively address the issues that face our communities. It is our aim, therefore, that our partners, strategies and investments reflect these core values.

We at CRUW vow to be intentional in our efforts to identify, discuss and challenge issues of race and the impact(s) it has on our organization, systems, partner agencies, and community as a whole. We will also challenge ourselves, and our stakeholders, to understand, discuss, and correct any inequities and biases we may discover as we endeavor to move our community in the right direction.
 

 
Definitions:
di·ver·si·ty (də-ˈvər-sə-tē) n.: the quality of being different or unique at the individual or group level. This includes age; ethnicity; gender; gender identity; language differences; nationality; parental status; physical, mental and developmental abilities; race; religion; sexual orientation; skin color; socio-economic status; work and behavioral styles; the perspectives of each individual shaped by their nation, experiences and culture—and more. Even when people appear the same on the outside, they are different!
in·clu·sion (in-ˈklü-zhən) n.: a strategy to leverage diversity. Diversity always exists in social systems. Inclusion, on the other hand, must be created. In order to leverage diversity, an environment must be created where people feel supported, listened to and able to do their personal best.