“Disability should never disqualify anyone from accessing every aspect of life.” - Emma Thompson
This month we are highlighting Disability Pride Month (7/26 - Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary) and Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. While these observations occur this month, we will continue to raise awareness for disability rights and support mental health equity throughout the year!
2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan (Now Available): Approved and adopted at the start of the 2024 fiscal year (July).
- Internally: You can click the link above or find this document on InsideLane by going to Department > Equity Program “2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan Narrative (FINAL)”
- Externally: You can share it with others to view via our program’s website
July Equity Newsletter: Our program has quarterly newsletters that provide updates.
- Internally: You can click the link above or find this document on InsideLane by going to Department > Equity Program > Newsletters > “July 2024”
- Externally: You can share it with others to view via our program’s website
Equity Program Advisory Board (EPAB): We are excited to share that our 13 members have accepted the invitation to serve. We are planning to have an introductory group gathering this summer and officially re-start the EPAB in the Fall.
Equity and Education (E2) Workgroups (Sign up for staff coming soon!): Feedback from stakeholders will be gathered and integrated for each workgroup to ensure our diverse needs are met. View short descriptions of the workgroups below.
- Equity 101 Training - Objectives include reviewing the existing content to identify outdated content and gaps based on consultant recommendations. The workgroup will research current best practices and universal concepts in equity training to develop updated content with improved language.
- DEI Competencies – Objectives include reviewing the existing DEI competencies to identify areas needing improvement and alignment with public sector roles. The workgroup will research best practices in DEI competencies, particularly in the public sector, and develop new competency categories tailored to these roles. Specific DEI leadership competencies for county leaders will be created to align with the county’s strategic goals.
- Communication Strategy – Objectives include developing a consistent and clear messaging strategy, designing cascading protocols for effectively disseminating information to all employees, including those without access to computers or email, and researching best practices for internal communication across various channels. Additionally, the workgroup will create a communication plan for change management initiatives, incorporating strategies to address resistance and promote engagement.
- Racial Action Plan – Objectives include reviewing the 2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan to identify sections relevant to racial equity, applying a racial equity lens to these sections to determine specific workforce needs, and developing a detailed action plan with measurable objectives and timelines.
- LGBTQ2S+ Action Plan – Objectives include reviewing the 2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan to identify sections relevant to our LQBTQ2S+ workforce, applying an equity lens to these sections to determine specific workforce needs, and developing a detailed action plan with measurable objectives and timelines.
August Events to Plan for: There are several events that our program is collaborating and participating in. Please see the list of free and family-friendly events below:
- 8/2 (Fri) ECC First Friday at the People’s Collective (1695 Jefferson St., Eugene 97402) from 4:30-6:30 PM
- 8/7 (Wed) Springfield Public Library & History Museum Summer Reading Celebration at the Springfield Fountain Plaza (225 5th St., Springfield 97477) from 10 AM – 12:30 PM
- 8/10 (Sat) Eugene Pride Rally & March + Festival
- Rally & March at Kesey Square (10 E. Broadway, Eugene 97401) from 8:30-9:30 AM
- Festival at Alton Baker Park (200 Day Island Rd., Eugene 97401) from 10 AM – 7 PM