Inclusivity in action

Inclusivity in action

Dr. Robin H. Stacia, VRSA’s Inclusion Resident

Embracing diversity and inclusion is based on affirming the belief that we are stronger together, and through demographic and cognitive diversity. It requires that leaders and organizations put into place practices that support and elevate these concepts within the organization’s structure, culture, and operational practices. The combination of both embracing and advancing diversity and inclusion is what creates Inclusivity in Action.

This fall, VRSA launched a grant initiative that was featured in the article: Getting Serious about Diversity and Inclusion. In October, we invited members to submit grant proposals for advancing inclusion throughout their organizations.

We are excited to announce that we selected two proposals that met the criteria. The grant award will provide funding for their work, allowing Dr. Robin Stacia to work directly with these organizations to plan and implement their inclusivity projects.

Congratulations to the City of Harrisonburg for their winning proposal: The Inclusion Imperative, Equity & Inclusion in the City of Harrisonburg. Their proposal detailed plans to inspire and operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging throughout all levels of their organization.

Congratulations to the City of Staunton for their winning proposal to develop an Equity and Diversity Commission. Their vision for this commission is to create a community voice and engagement process that will be citizen lead and that will inform, engage, and transform.

Over the next few months, these two cities will begin the meaningful work of putting inclusivity into action within their organizations and communities.

As VRSA members, my hope is that you are now in the planning stage of how your entity or team will act to advance inclusivity and experience the organizational, business, and personal benefits.

More information about the work being done by the Cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton will be shared at the 2022 VRSA Annual Meeting, to be held virtually on Friday, May 6.  More information and registration will be online in the coming months.