Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision Statement
More than 50 years ago, Special Olympics launched a global movement to break down barriers and end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remain at the heart of our movement, as Special Olympics Tennessee works to continuously embrace unity and create inclusive communities where everyone belongs. We value, celebrate, and respect varying differences, neurodiversities, backgrounds, and perspectives and know that our continued efforts toward greater diversity and inclusion will enrich our organization and world.
What is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?
Diversity
Diversity is the representation of all our varied identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.), collectively and as individuals.
Equity
Equity seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all.
Inclusion
Inclusion builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people.
Steering Committee Goals
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE GOALS
- Offer opportunities for internal DEI conversations and trainings
- Provide greater language access to athletes and community members
- Add community representatives to the DEI Committee
- Build community relationships with nonprofits and vendors to learn more from their expertise and identify ways in which we can better partner with or serve their constituents
- Regularly communicate progress updates to our community
GOALS ACCOMPLISHED THUS FAR
- Created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee that meets on a regular basis
- Emphasized issues of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our Strategic Plan, as evidenced by DEI goals and strategies amongst each of our key priorities in the strategic plan
- Updated staff holiday calendar to include a floating holiday, to recognize and honor the diversity of our team and wide range of backgrounds and traditions
- Employed a Special Olympics Tennessee athlete
- Elected a Special Olympics Tennessee athlete as a member of the Board of Directors
- Added a translation tool to the website to translate to over 40 languages
- Added an accessibility tool to the website that makes the site accessible to multiple variations of disabilities
Summary of Committee Goals
Offer opportunities for internal DEI conversations and trainings
Build community relationships with nonprofits and vendors to learn more from their expertise and identify ways in which we can better partner with or serve their constituen
Provide greater language access to athletes and community members