Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Belief Statement

Special Olympics Illinois is dedicated to growing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging throughout our organization and the community in Illinois. We believe every volunteer, athlete, family member, vendor, employee, donor, partner, sponsor…anyone can be a part of the Special Olympics movement. We learn from each other and grow together.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Special Olympics Illinois believes it can best live its mission and reach its vision by actively growing, developing, and nurturing an inclusive culture, which values, respects, and celebrates the diversity of each human spirit - Both intrinsic and extrinsic capabilities, talents and traits - including gender, color, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. that form diversity of the human spirit. It also includes culture, life experiences, relationships, learning preferences, decision-making tactics, and many other influences that make us who we are.

Special Olympics Illinois is dedicated to growing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging throughout our organization and the community in Illinois. We believe every volunteer, athlete, family member, vendor, employee, donor, partner, sponsor…anyone can be a part of the Special Olympics movement. We learn from each other and grow together.

Diversity:

Diversity-awareness-1-1

Diversity describes the myriad ways in which people differ, including the psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among all individuals, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religion, economic class, education, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, mental and physical ability, and learning styles. Diversity is all-inclusive and supportive of the proposition that everyone and every group should be valued. It is about understanding these differences and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of our differences.

Equity:

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Working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that address their unique advantages or barriers.

Inclusion:

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Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power

Belonging:

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The feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self to work.

DEIB Committee

Through our strategic plan we have a standing committee that includes staff, Athletes, board members and people from the community that focuses on growing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. (need to add some more description here)

Goals:

Accomplishments:

Committee Members:

Cindy Villafuerte

Cindy Villafuerte

Chief Financial and Diversity Officer, DEIB Committee
Patty Welsh

Patty Welsh

DEIB Committee, Director
Mo Khan

Mo Khan

DEIB Committee, Senior Director
Amanda Spies

Amanda Spies

DEIB Committee, Director
Jillian Hosteny

Jillian Hosteny

DEIB Committee, Director
Vanessa Campos

Vanessa Campos

Assistant Director, DEIB Committee
Rob Queenan

Rob Queenan

Assistant Director, DEIB Committee
Jennifer Davis

Jennifer Davis

Assistant Director, DEIB Committee
Amber-Lee Dunn

Amber-Lee Dunn

DEIB Committee
Zinyra “Z” Ross

Zinyra “Z” Ross

DEIB Committee, Director