Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy

Purpose Statement:

Josie's Closet is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all individuals, including our employees, volunteers, clients, and community partners. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization, equity ensures fair treatment and opportunities for all, and inclusion creates a sense of belonging where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Policy Statements:

1. Diversity: We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and background. We recognize the unique perspectives and experiences that everyone brings to our organization and seek to celebrate and learn from these differences.

2. Equity: We are committed to promoting equity by identifying and addressing barriers that prevent equal access and opportunities for all individuals. We strive to create a fair and inclusive environment where everyone has the resources and support needed to thrive.

3. Inclusion: We value and respect the contributions of all individuals and strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We actively seek input from diverse perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

4. Non-Discrimination: Josie's Closet prohibits discrimination in any form, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or background. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals.

5. Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring that our programs, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We strive to remove barriers to access and provide reasonable accommodations as needed.

6. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization. We regularly review our policies and practices to ensure that they align with these principles and adjust as needed.

Implementation:

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, board members, and partners of Josie's Closet. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and will continuously strive to create a more inclusive and equitable organization for all.

Respecting the privacy of our clients, donors, members, staff, volunteers and of the Josie’s

Closet itself is a basic value of Josie’s Closet. Personal and financial information is confidential

and should not be disclosed or discussed with anyone without permission or authorization

from the Executive Director, Vanessa Davis. Care shall also be taken to ensure that

unauthorized individuals do not overhear any discussion of confidential information and that

documents containing confidential information are not left in the open or inadvertently shared.

Employees, volunteers and board members of Josie’s Closet may be exposed to information

which is confidential and/or privileged and proprietary in nature. It is the policy of Josie’s

Closet that such information must be kept confidential both during and after employment or

volunteer service. Staff and volunteers, including board members, are expected to return

materials containing privileged or confidential information at the time of separation from

employment or expiration of service.

Confidentiality is the preservation of privileged information. By necessity personal and private

information is disclosed in a professional working relationship. Part of what you learn is

necessary to provide services to the applicant or client; other information is shared within the

development of a helping, trusting relationship. Therefore, most information gained about

individual clients through an assignment is confidential in terms of the law, and disclosure

could make you legally liable. Disclosure could also damage your relationship with the client

and make it difficult to help the person.

Before you begin your assignment as a staff member/volunteer, you should be aware of the

laws and penalties for breaching confidentiality. Although the agency is liable for your acts

within the scope of your duty, giving information to an unauthorized person could result in the

agency's refusal to support you in the event of legal action. Violation of the state statutes

regarding confidentiality of records is punishable upon conviction by fines or by imprisonment

or by both.

I have read Josie’s Closet’s policy on confidentiality presented above. I agree to abide by the

requirements of the policy and inform my supervisor immediately if I believe any violation

(unintentional or otherwise) of the policy has occurred. I understand that violation of this policy

will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of my service with Josie’s

Closet.