Everyone is welcome at BBBSEM. The impact of our work lies in forging bonds between Bigs, Littles, and their families to promote understanding and learning, and thus embracing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion is vital to us. Beyond being ‘the right thing to do’ we have seen our efforts to prioritize justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion be critical to our ability to grow the impact of our agency.
Starting in FY 2023, the agency established a new strategic vision focused on reaching new heights in its service delivery. Our approach to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is rooted in our purpose, informed by our strategy, and brought to life through key initiatives. The strategic plan and the direction it sets inform and support this roadmap. It is important to our agency and our constituents that our efforts towards JEDI not just be another pillar of the plan but be a strategic initiative and that can stand on its own. Thus, our JEDI roadmap embraces and holds accountable the strategic plan, while the strategic plan provides the framework for the roadmap to follow.
We’re proud to lead efforts to acknowledge embrace the diversity and opinions that make us who we are. BBBSEM will always be committed to upholding different voices and perspectives, and promoting a community where every child has the ability to achieve their full potential.
Statement from our Board of Directors
As the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Board of Directors, the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion starts with us and is imbued throughout our organization. We have zero tolerance for any form of racism, prejudice or bigotry. Our mission seeks to advance the full potential of youth of all backgrounds. The impact of systemic oppression falls on many of our families, volunteers and staff, and we are committed to being civically and socially active in the pursuit of a more equitable society. Our approach includes increasing diversity at all levels, ongoing education, dedicated programming, and partnering with and amplifying the voices of like-minded organizations. We pledge to pursue these goals diligently in our drive towards better and more equitable outcomes for the families and youth that we serve.