DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION The first few months of 2021 were a productive period of further evolving the DEI workstreams. We now have 25 members actively engaged in these groups, as well as nine community advisors. The vision for this work is to be an impactful community partner and leading example of how the private sector can help build and sustain an increasingly diverse, equitable and inclusive region. Our current focus is primarily on building racial equity inside our organizations and across our community, through a sustainable, long-term strategy that is built upon a deep understanding of the impact of racism in Columbus.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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Act on what we can uniquely do as business leaders, while at the same time engaging and supporting other community efforts with deference to existing knowledge, credibility and experiences.
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Meet one another, our individual organizations and our community partners where each sits on the spectrum of DEI activities.
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Thoroughly understand the interplay between equity and economic development and use that knowledge to help rectify Columbus’ racial wealth gap and inequities.
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Operate with a sense of humility and an enduring commitment to the values of Columbus Way, recognizing that we must aspire to extend its benefit to the entire community.
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Commit to driving both near- and long-term change.
