Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI)

justice equity diversity inclusion

Bigger Together

Together we affirm that every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are committed to creating and cultivating a safe environment where all individuals feel respected and valued equally. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory and anti-racist approach and are committed to dismantling any inequities within our policies, systems, programs and services.

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Our Commitment to JEDI

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

As defenders of potential, we are devoted to shifting paradigms for children in metro Atlanta by identifying and helping to remove systemic barriers that threaten their success. We understand that JEDI is a journey, not a destination. Our JEDI strategic plan for 2022-2023 is our two-year road map for every step of this journey, leaving room for innovation if circumstances require detours.

Our Statement

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person [regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status] has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored. 

Our commitment to JEDI goes far beyond just a statement. As defenders of potential, we are devoted to shifting paradigms for children in the metro Atlanta area by addressing and helping to remove systemic barriers that threaten their success. We actively advocate for their lives by infusing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our mentorship and empower others to join us in our mission to stand against all forms of oppression that threaten the potential of our youth. Our future depends on us being actively anti-racist and examining the ways in which we can defend potential by affirming the humanity of the next generation.

What is JEDI?

Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life. (JEDI Collaborative, 2021) 

  • Are you FREE? 
  • Are you complicit in the removal or the construction of barriers? 
  • Are you taking responsibility for your role in creating a just society? 

Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers (the ‘isms’) exist. (JEDI Collaborative, 2021) 

  • Are you RESOURCED? 
  • Who/what needs the most resources?  
  • What barriers exist to providing resources and pathways to success? 

All the differences between us that are based on the advantages or barriers to opportunities we experience. (JEDI Collaborative, 2021)

  • Are you SEEN? 
  • Are your identities represented? 

Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, and amplifying the voices, perspectives, and styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities. (JEDI Collaborative, 2021)

  • Are you valued?  
  • Can you participate on an even playing field? 
  • Is your voice heard as part of the decision-making process? 

Our Strategic Plan

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta implemented its first-ever JEDI Strategic plan in 2022, with strategies and key performance indicators for training, collaboration, staff, and volunteer recruitment/retention, and more!

Click to expand the summary of our plan below.