The Intergenerational Schools are pleased to announce the formation of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. This group is being assembled by the Intergenerational Schools Boards of Directors and chaired by Jejuana Brown, Director of Equity & Inclusion Programs at Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) and Friends of the Intergenerational Schools Board Member.

Celebration of Diversity

Focusing deeply on the core value, Celebration of Diversity, the Intergens spent the last year and a half actively engaging teachers, staff, and board members in exploring how the schools can better commit to this value in service to students and families. The work began with participating in a half day training facilitated by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio in January 2020. The following year, schools worked with Erica Merritt of the Equius Group to complete a yearlong series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops and Family Listening sessions at each school. This coming year, the Intergens are preparing to continue this work in partnership with families, volunteers, students, teachers, and board members through the DEI Task Force.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force

This group serves to provide expertise and guidance, to offer unbiased and independent feedback on, the development of a comprehensive and unified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for all four entities. The Task Force serves all four entities in the Intergenerational network. Specifically, the Task Force, in consultation with the Executive Director, shall undertake the following and make recommendations to the Boards for action:

  • Facilitate an inclusive process to identify the organizations’ DEI needs and develop a comprehensive plan.
  • Create a shared set of values for all stakeholders relating to DEI.
  • Foster open, two-way communication on DEI matters, and processes for questioning or issues that may arise in the future.
  • Help all Boards, Advisory Councils, and Committees, and Leadership integrate the DEI plan into all areas of the overall Strategic Planning for the short and long terms.
  • Develop measures to monitor that are evidence-based and data informed.
  • Look to experts in the field to understand changing dynamics in DEI, especially with regard to K-8 education.
  • Review policies and procedures and present revision recommendations to full Boards.
  • Develop or identify DEI training and annual evaluation plans for all Board members and the Intergenerational Boards as a whole.

A request for volunteers to serve on the DEI Task Force will be available in the coming weeks.