Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Co-chairs

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) COUNCIL

by Helena Watson, DEI Council Co-chair

In the past, Hammer has approached the difficult issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in various ways and the DEI Council is an evolution of lessons learned.

The DEI Council promotes values of solidarity and integrity that are supported by Hammer’s leadership and are integral to the comprehensive function of a well-rounded employee. DEI initiatives are not a stand-alone effort, but instead align with Hammer’s values and mission statement and weave seamlessly into all aspects of the Hammer experience — to create a workplace community where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

The DEI Council exists to advance certain strengths and improve certain shortcomings, always in the best interest of our employees and the individuals we serve. In the coming months, as the work of the DEI Council becomes more visible across Hammer, it is important to know the make-up of the group and what role it will play in our workplace community.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council’s purpose is to foster a community grounded in equity and inclusion where diversity of thought, identities, and people are safe, respected, and valued. This statement focuses on and affirms the work of the DEI Council moving forward. We will provide a collaborative platform where all voices of our workplace community, including staff, individuals we serve, and administration are actively encouraged to share their perspectives and experiences.

We will work with the Board and the administration to support Hammer’s workplace community and be accountable to collectively strengthen and purposefully advance DEI at Hammer. The vital work of the DEI Council has just begun, and with the support of the Board, senior administration, staff, and employees, our entire community will build this trust. This work together may not be without obstacles, differing opinions, and setbacks — some might call that good trouble. But undoubtedly this work together, anchored by our values, will strengthen Hammer’s mission.

by Nicole Hollins, DEI Council Co-chair

The DEI Council was officially founded in 2020. This was a new endeavor for Hammer and spearheaded by the Hammer Board of Directors in Hammer's strategic plan in 2019. The board and staff at Hammer recognized that there were inequalities within society, and they wanted to ensure that everyone at Hammer had a voice and that they felt comfortable in their workplace.

The DEI council has done several things this year to build upon a more successful year. The council has reached out to staff to find out how the work and living conditions are for their employees.

This was done with a survey and several focus groups. These groups were divided to ensure that everyone felt comfortable speaking to a group of specific peers so they would be able to talk about shared experiences. These focus groups were guided by a facilitator who took notes and moved the discussion toward a particular goal. Once the results are analyzed we will have a better picture of relations at Hammer Residences.

The DEI Council has also opened a virtual safe space for employees to leave comments, notes, suggestions, readings, poems, and ideas. This allows our peers to write down whatever is on their minds that they wish to share with the council.

This inaugural year has been a learning experience for all of us on the council. We have had to weather some storms, but I do believe that year two is when the flowers will begin to bloom, and all will be able to witness the positive aspects of the DEI council.