Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Lane Workforce Partnership, we understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are dynamic concepts that require ongoing dedication, continuous learning, and progress. Our organization is committed to realizing this vision by actively integrating these principles into our services, cultivating collaborative partnerships, fostering community development, and embracing diverse perspectives and voices.

By upholding these values, we strive to create an environment that celebrates and empowers individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring equitable opportunities for success and fostering a more inclusive, resilient community.

INTENT

  • Enhance understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues
  • Catalyze value-based initiatives to support cohesive and longer-term approaches
  • Develop effective strategies to successfully recruit and retain a diverse workforce
  • Invest in efforts that work towards strengthening our regional economy
  • Empower leaders and decision makers to push boundaries
  • Support individual and organizational developmental gaps
  • Promote relevant and accessible tools, resources, and trainings
  • Showcase inclusive leadership and practices across the region as well as the benefits from the inclusive behavior
  • Review of old “best practices”
  • Bring economic justice to the agenda

WHY FOCUS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are increasingly recognized as essential components for creating thriving workplaces. Embracing these principles brings numerous benefits, from fostering diverse perspectives to driving enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. By cultivating an environment that values varied voices and experiences, organizations can make more informed decisions, engage employees more deeply, reduce turnover rates, and enhance their industry reputation.

As the Workforce Board for Lane County, alongside our dedicated community members, we are committed to promoting and nurturing these principles. We hold ourselves accountable for driving positive change by fostering productive conversations and embracing diverse perspectives.

CHALLENGES

  • Economic inefficiencies
  • Labor force shortage and Under-utilization
  • Organizational readiness
  • Recruitment & Retention *worksite culture*
    • Occupational segregation
    • Implicit bias and Unconscious bias
    • Microagression
    • Marginality
    • Oppression
    • Stereotype threat

RESOURCES

INITIATIVES AND INVESTMENTS

The Lane County Latino a/x Leadership Workgroup was established through a collaborative effort involving The Oregon Community Foundation – Latino Partnership Program, Palo Alto Software, and Lane Workforce Partnership. This initiative aims to empower Latino a/x leaders in the region by uniting them across diverse sectors. These gatherings foster personal connections and inspire community-driven solutions.

Led by Dr. José Meléndez, Assistant Professor of Planning for Engaging Diverse Communities at the University of Oregon’s School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management, the workgroup serves as a catalyst for positive change. Members co-create visions, advocate for strategic budgets and policies, and forge partnerships with leaders and officials to drive meaningful advancements.

Lane County Latino a/x Leadership Mission/Vision Statement

The Ask and Commitment of Participants:

  • Use their influence to support and advocate for under-represented and minority communities and strengthen resilience among our community.
  • Foster relationships between government, business, education, and charitable institutions in creating a health Eugene/Springfield economy.
  • Be involved in creating constructive and sustainable pathways for our community.

Goals/Themes (no particular order):

  • Community building; within this group, our own Latino a/x community, and more broadly
  • Creating a sense of belonging
  • Jobs and the economy
  • Social capital
  • Education (Birth and Beyond)
  • Leadership and Professional Development; across the entire spectrum
  • Financial literacy and wealth building
  • Leadership support