Mission/Purpose

Our mission is to unite and work together regardless of our many differences i.e. race, sexual orientation, religion, gender. Together, we are educating each other, making positive changes, and forming alliances. We are intentional with our invitations to all to openly share and willingly listen in a safe space.

Goals

As the DEI Committee develops the needs of TVN, as they relate to DEI, will change.  In order to meet those needs, the committee will be driven by the annual goals they establish.

1. The committee will establish goals each calendar year.  These goals will be presented to the ELT for approval.  All recommended goals should outline time, monetary, and any other tangible needs.
2. The progress of these goals will be reviewed at each meeting. 
3. At the conclusion of each year the committee will determine if a goal should be closed or continued for an additional year. 

Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

1. Diversity: The range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values systems, national origin, political beliefs, and cultures.
   • Diversity means more than just acknowledging and/or tolerating difference. It’s a set of conscious practices that seek to understand and appreciate the interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment
2. Equity: Ensuring that everyone has support and access to the resources needed to be successful, and identifying and eliminating barriers that have prevented the full participation of communities most impacted by systemic oppression.
   • Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions and systems, as well as in the distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society and institution.
   • Equity differs from equality. Equality refers to treating everyone the same, but does not necessarily lead to equitable outcomes because diverse communities have diverse needs and have faced varying obstacles and inequities.
3. Inclusion: Ensuring that people of all backgrounds, identifies, abilities, perspectives, and beliefs have an equal opportunity to belong, achieve, and contribute to their communities. An inclusive institution promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect where all people are recognized for their inherent worth and dignity, talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living.
4. Cultural Competence: An understanding of how institutions and individuals can respond respectfully and effectively to people from all cultures, economic statuses, language backgrounds, races, ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, religions, genders, gender identifications, sexual orientations, veteran statuses and other characteristics in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth, and preserves the dignity, of individuals, families and communities.