To move the full organization forward, it is imperative that we all have the same understanding of the City’s goals and objectives. Key to this is understanding how the City defines justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion – as well as other key terms as we move towards a more inclusive workplace. These definitions are rooted in the One Virginia plan, as well as by looking to national leaders in equity such as GARE and Race Forward. These definitions were presented and approved by the City Council as a companion to their Strategic Plan Commitment to JEDI.
Justice:
Justice is the practice of identifying and removing barriers that prevent diversity, equity, and inclusion of difference. Making fair and ethical decisions about the distribution of opportunities and resources through interpersonal and institutional engagement.
Equity:
Equity is the process of creating opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access and equitable opportunity. It is the action of allocating resources, programs, and opportunities to employees, customers, and residents to address historical discrimination and existing imbalances. Equity requires an organizational commitment to all employees, customers, and residents who will be provided equitable access to opportunities, resources, and the ability to fully contribute to the City’s mission and goals.
Diversity:
Diversity is defined broadly as all of the characteristics that make individuals unique. The City of Charlottesville believes that internal diversity fosters a collaborative work environment that is inclusive of every employee by recognizing and effectively utilizing their talent, skills, and perspectives to create a unified and high-performance workforce.
Inclusion:
Inclusion is used to describe the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diverse people, practices, and communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) In ways that increase one's cultural affirmation and respect, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathetic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact with and within systems and organizations. Genuine and full inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and respect for the differences and uniqueness that all employees bring to the workplace, without the impact of inequities.
Racial Equity:
Racial Equity is the process of eliminating racial disparities so everyone can have the same outcomes. It is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, procedures, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color and other marginalized populations.