We’re committed to diversity, equity & inclusion.

ARCH CoC recognizes and appreciates the significance of building an environment where members feel respected, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. We acknowledge that each member’s unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and provide the best possible assistance to clients and partners. 

ARCH CoC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. 

Individual social, economic, and cultural identities shape and influence experiences and perspectives. ARCH CoC will work to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout the CoC. With the understanding that the social and cultural identity of others brings a different perspective, as a CoC we will practice inclusivity in how we work with one another. 

In accordance with these expressed standards and aims, ARCH CoC will maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council which will set aspirational standards for the CoC, facilitate internal review of disparity and discrimination, maintain regular input from diverse groups, offer advice and training to CoC member organizations, and regularly revisit and improve DEI efforts and objectives for the CoC. The Council will be guided by the following tenants:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council – ARCH CoC

Mission

The mission of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council will be to foster an environment that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and encourages innovation in pursuit of its mission. 

Vision

The DEI Council focuses on identifying community-specific goals, action strategies, and measurable objectives addressing each of the four dimensions of diversity and equity, specifically educating, advocating, engaging, and empowering the community.

Values

An equitable and inclusive work environment committed to diversity, where everyone is valued and empowered to develop their strengths. We provide opportunities for individuals and work to help aid ARCH in its mission to organize, facilitate and provide services to end homelessness in Northeast Tennessee. ARCH CoC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Successful diversity and inclusion efforts are not just about getting a seat at the table, but really; about having a voice in the conversation.

As research in this area has grown, it has become clear that good intentions and cultural celebrations are not enough.

In order to recruit, retain and engage a diverse community, and leverage all of the innovation and potential that talent brings to bear, organizations must dive deeper into the research and empower people with tools to proactively champion diversity efforts, build inclusive teams and organizations and combat culturally developed bias.

Practices

To provide informed, authentic leadership for equity, we, as a CoC, shall strive to:

  • See diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our personnel.

  • Acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services.

  • Explore underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.

  • Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.

  • Advocate for and support broad-level thinking about how systemic inequities impact our work, and how best to address that in a way that is consistent with our mission.

  • Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all employees and members to embrace this notion and to express it in service provision interactions and everyday practices.

Objectives

By using available research and data on effective diversity and inclusion practices, the DEI Council’s efforts will focus on the following objectives:

  • Building capacity and competency to lead and manage a diverse workforce. 

  • Providing an environment that ensures equitable access to opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

  • Developing cultural competence and responsiveness as an organization to maximize our effectiveness in project engagement with clients and partners, considering and respecting their unique perspectives, experiences, and needs. 

Our diversity and inclusion objectives, and progress toward achieving them, will be assessed annually to ensure alignment with strategic business objectives and social initiatives.