At the American Youth Foundation, we believe that we are all responsible for building equitable community. Our organization\u2019s work is to amplify the voice of youth and encourage them to speak out and take action against injustice. We know we don\u2019t have all the answers, but we seek to work together to educate ourselves and others and to dismantle systems of oppression to create a more just world.<\/p>\n
‘Under the leadership of Ambrean Ford, LLMSW, <\/a>the new Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion,\u00a0<\/a> the AYF will launch a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee in early 2022. The DEI committee will advise our organization in the continuous integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the American Youth Foundation.<\/p>\n We understand there are certain traditions, sayings, and names within the AYF that have unintentionally caused harm to some past and current community members. The DEI committee will address those issues head on and help us continue to grow. The AYF wants our programs to be spaces where all people who align with our mission and values feel like they belong. If you would like to help make that possible, consider applying below to join this committee and help the AYF advance further.<\/p>\n A strategic plan shapes and guides what an organization is, who it serves, what it does, and why. Although we will work through the tasks in order, you will find the process can be circular. As we move through the DEI strategic planning process, we may return to earlier tasks in order to change and\/or expand on our original thinking. Treat this as a flexible \u2014 rather than a rigid \u2014 process.<\/p>\n The purpose within AYF’s mission of inspiring people \u201cto discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living, and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world,\u201d<\/strong> stands out when applied to the organization\u2019s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/p>\n AYF\u2019s dedication to improving the organization\u2019s ability to deliver on their program outcomes (best self, balanced living, inclusive community, and making a positive difference) plays a critical role in the organization\u2019s ability to address DEI. As the DEI committee creates the DEI mission\/vision, it will be tied to the AYF\u2019s overarching mission and reflect these ideals.<\/strong> To do so, the committee will need to identify how AYF defines diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/p>\n The DEI committee will:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n