DEI Update

UPDATE ON

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

By educating staff and updating policies, Willamalane will be better equipped to serve the needs of our community.

Willamalane is committed to addressing and dismantling the systems of oppression that contribute to ongoing and continued acts of hate and trauma against Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, and individuals experiencing visible and invisible disabilities in our community. To implement this commitment, Willamalane created a strategic action plan in 2021. The strategic action plan established goals and objectives for 2021-2026. The plan’s first phase aims to increase staff awareness around DEI topics and update policies and procedures to ensure that they promote inclusivity. PROJECTS IN 2022: • Hired a full-time DEI supervisor who started in March. • Hosted listening and conversation sessions with Latinx and American

Indian/Alaskan Native community members to ensure better inclusion and understanding while soliciting community feedback during Willamalane’s comprehensive planning process. This was an essential part of Willamalane’s comprehensive plan update. • Installed a hearing loop at Bob Keefer Center to better meet the needs of community members and staff with hearing loss. • Expanded a staff Spanish language competency program to better serve community members who prefer to communicate in Spanish. • Updated Spanish translation processes and developed more bilingual materials, including marketing materials, program guides, and park signs. • Conducted staff, board, and partner training sessions about DEI concepts and how they affect staff at all levels. This included partnerships with Team

Springfield organizations. • Held ongoing personal growth and educational opportunities for staff, such as book clubs, guest speakers, and newsletters on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. • Implemented an ADA transition plan, which was board approved in December of 2021. • Hosted “calm down” sensory stations at Sounds Like Summer concerts to help community members relax in an environment that can be overstimulating. • Reviewed and updated the strategic action plan. By educating staff and updating policies, Willamalane will be better equipped to serve the needs of our community. View the full strategic action plan at willamalane.org/DEI.