DEI Cabinet Shared Agreements

Commitments to Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Community

1. Establish a Brave Space

Meaningful growth often requires discomfort and courageous dialogue. Avoiding conflict or prioritizing comfort can limit understanding. We acknowledge that harm can occur, even with good intentions, and commit to engaging with respect, generosity, and a shared focus on learning and growth.

2. Lead with Relationships

We build community through trust, connection, and shared purpose. We approach one another with care, compassion, authenticity, and mutual respect, knowing that relationships are the cornerstone of our work.

3. Honor Our Shared Trust

We protect what is personal and private in this space. While we share learning and insights, we honor the confidentiality of individual experiences and identities.

4. Honor Intersectionality

We recognize that each person holds multiple, intersecting identities that shape their lived experiences, access to power, and exposure to harm. We commit to acknowledging and valuing the complexity of these identities, including race, gender, class, ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, and more, in all aspects of our work. By honoring intersectionality, we ensure our approach to equity is holistic, inclusive, and responsive to the full humanity of every person in the room and our communities.

5. Move at the Speed of Equity

We recognize that meaningful equity work takes time. We commit to slowing down when needed, reflecting, questioning assumptions, including all voices, and making thoughtful, inclusive decisions. Rushing can reinforce inequities and overlook those most impacted. By moving intentionally, we create space for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more just outcomes.

6. Engage with Empathy and Curiosity

We commit to engaging deeply by listening to understand, not just to respond. We approach each conversation with respect, empathy, and presence. When faced with disagreement or discomfort, we stay curious and open-minded. Rather than reacting with judgment, we invite feedback and inquiry as essential parts of our personal and collective growth.

7. Make the Invisible, Visible

We work to uncover and address the root causes and patterns that uphold inequity. By identifying these forces, we can redesign processes that are more just, inclusive, and aligned with our values.

8. Embrace Growth and Learning

We commit to being learners, for ourselves, for one another, and for our communities. We reflect, unlearn, and evolve as part of our leadership and accountability.