JEDI
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
WHY IS JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION IMPORTANT TO US?
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) are integral to our values and mission. Our stakeholders (including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff) come from beautifully diverse backgrounds and cultures, and at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are committed to embracing and highlighting those differences. Why? Because we believe it’s our differences that make us strong!
We ensure that all voices and perspectives are heard — and more importantly, honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we make sure that everyone can reach their full potential!
OUR J.E.D.I. FOCUS
JUSTICE - Justice has been the focus of Big Brothers Big Sisters ever since the beginning. When Ernest Coulter founded Big Brothers Big Sisters in 1904, he did so because he noticed an influx of boys in the NYC juvenile justice system. Coulter believed he could make a difference by connecting these boys with adult mentors who could listen to their struggles and guide them on a brighter path. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, we are committed to this mission to this day.
EQUITY - Our work at Big Brothers Big Sisters helps heal the gaps in our community and level the playing field to ensure everyone has an opportunity for success. With programs aimed to narrow the gap between high-income and low-income children, Big Brothers Big Sisters ensured that 88% of our Littles graduated high school in 2021 and 96% avoided the use of illegal substances. These programs are one small step to ensuring a more equitable future for us all.
DIVERSITY - Have you ever developed a friendship with someone whose background was wildly different from your own? This is one of the first questions we ask our volunteers during the intake process. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we seek out staff and volunteers who embrace diversity and work hard to forge connections across cultural divides. By modeling these traits, our volunteers can form bonds and teach the same values to their Littles.
INCLUSION - We are all unique, and at BBBSNEI, we strive to reflect that in our hiring practices and in our volunteer pool. Serving 13 counties means our Littles come from all walks of life and many of them need understanding mentors and staff who know the challenges they face. The more diverse and inclusive a workplace is, the stronger it is, because every different background and culture brings with it different strengths!
VIDEOS
RESOURCES -- Past Newsletters
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is always on the lookout for new, diverse volunteers. Our Littles come from all different backgrounds and family types, and many of them need role models from their own communities.
Can you be the role model they need? Volunteer today.