Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At RJE, we believe the opportunity for the greatest impact starts with the challenge set by the boldest questions. These bold questions are asked in a variety of forums, such as, school board meetings, multicultural clubs, townhall symposiums, critical partnership collaborations and book studies. RJE defines DEI as follows: Diversity is the presence of differences within our given organization and setting. Equity is the process we use to ensure that protocols and programs are impartial, fair, and provide equal possible outcomes for each individual. Inclusion is an embedded practice to ensure that our students feel a sense of belonging.
The DEI obstacles we face in our work are arguably the toughest ones to overcome. We are a diverse and inclusive organization focused on equity through a restorative lens and implementation of restorative practices; thereby, we forge forward asking harder, bigger, bolder questions of ourselves and the Bend-La Pine community. At RJE we utilize an inclusive mindset to create new attitudes and environments for the students we serve, through collaborative efforts with critical community partnerships, members, and volunteers.
RJE focuses on (1) Building structures that welcome and encourages the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community through education and restoration, (2) Utilization of restorative practices to build positive relationships, as well as to restore harmed relationships, (3) Showcase talents, share perspectives, while celebrating different cultures, which promotes growth and understanding throughout the community, and, (4) Provide a network of interactive and engaging support through a strong, dedicated volunteer base of intrinsically inclusive people. We believe our work has the potential for cultural transformation in our schools and community.
RJE recognizes that the cultural transformation necessary to address our communities growing racial and ethnic anxiety and empowering student voice requires establishing structure, and prioritizing needs:
Build Our Organization's Competencies
We elicit and identify community members who show interest in restorative justice and establish both a diverse talent network and volunteer base. We intentionally invite diverse members into our organization, which include juvenile justice and probation departments, members of community organizations, parents, and school leadership.
Provide Training, Set Clear Expectations, On-going Support
We utilize the restorative practices framework and provide training; as well as discuss, acknowledge and understand unconscious bias with volunteer staff.
We provide clear expectations with accountability (volunteer handbook)
We provide opportunities for regular communication/discussions through monthly meetings. We intentionally establish a culturally competent environment in which everyone’ needs, and perspectives are considered and heard.
Align Our Mission to Address the Issues in the Community We Serve
We continuously collaborate and implement restorative justice practices, such as circles, mediation, and family group conferencing. In serving the needs of our community members and students, and to ensure program success and growth across diverse populations, RJE will continue this marathon of dismantling inequities in our educational institutions and communities, see our Mission and Goals page.
“There is no one way, no right way, but there is a way that works for you. As long as it has a racial equity lens, that is the most important thing.”
YW Boston, 2019