Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

DP DEI You Belong logo

We are committed to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization and our partnership with the disability community. Our work is rooted in the firm belief that all people deserve respect and dignity, where we embrace and celebrate varied identities, preferences, and perspectives.

Our vision

We are building racial equity into our work systems and experience so that Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other diverse voices are equally welcomed, valued, and feel a sense of belonging.

2 woman sitting on a bench talking

Mission Statement

We are committed to racial diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of our organization and our partnership with the disability community. Our work is rooted in the firm belief that all people deserve respect and dignity, where we embrace and celebrate varied identities, preferences, and perspectives. These values are essential to our organization’s excellence and to achieving our objective of a more equitable and inclusive community for all.

We will ensure our systems, policies, practices, actions, and communications are equitable, including how we attract, hire, engage, develop, promote, retain, and retire BIPOC and other underrepresented or marginalized talents. We intentionally engage in an ongoing process of active learning and growth to advance a culture reflective of a shared purpose and belonging.

September 2020
September 2020

Contracted with The Equity Project (TEP) to provide DEI training

October 2020
October 2020

Launched cross-departmental DEI committee

November 2020 - June 2021
November 2020 - June 2021

TEP conducted an organizational assessment and focus groups; analyzed and reported key findings. Held initial TEP training for leaders: Deconstructing Equity

July 2021
July 2021

Created the DEI mission and strategic blueprint plan. Formed subcommittees across Communications, HR, & LOD

May 2022
May 2022

Completed the first Inclusion Survey of all staff

June 2022
June 2022

Signed a contract with new consultant group, StandUP, for 8 training sessions

February 2023 – 2024
February 2023 – 2024

Training with StandUP

We believe work starts here

Over the last few years, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee has worked to frame and articulate our organization’s DEI aspirations and create a sustainable and transformative change strategy. Collecting input from staff, leadership, and our outside consultant has led to the creation of three working documents that together form an ‘Equity Blueprint.’

Striving for an equitable & inclusive community

Group of DEI Members sitting at a picnic table in conversation

For our employees

Providing trainings for leadership and employees

Increasing the representation of BIPOC in leadership

Making sure that every employee feels like their whole person is welcome in the organization

Offering external resources for BIPOC in services and their families

A woman in sunglasses sat down on the ground surrounded by tall grass, looking at the camera and smiling.

For our individuals and families

Providing connections to bi-lingual resources for individuals/families in services

Evaluating and updating resource materials to increase access for individuals/families in services

Seeking to ensure equitable and inclusive supports for the individuals/families in services

Racial equity & why

Racial equity lens

Questions to ask when making policy or practice changes:
  • How could the decision impact BIPOC & other marginalized groups?
  • Have we looked critically to identify opportunities to advance racial equity?

Why racial equity?

A focus on racial equity can help determine the root of inequities within a system.

Why is racial equity important?​

Race impacts everyone & can keep other marginalized communities from effectively coming together.

For more information on DEIA, please email DEIAfeedback@dpcolo.org