Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Please review this section on how to promote inclusion in your volunteer work.
What are civil rights?
Civil rights are personal rights that are guaranteed and protected by the United States Constitution. Our institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of:
Race
Color
National origin
Sex (including gender identity and gender expression)
Religious creed
Disability
Age
Political beliefs
Reprisal or retaliation for a prior civil rights activity
To emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work, we have a responsibility to ensure that all members of our community have equitable access to the University and its resources. It is our responsibility to serve and support the following individuals and groups:
American Indians and other indigenous populations
People of color, including underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations
People with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities
People who identify as women
People of various gender and sexual identities and expressions
Why are civil rights and DEI important?
Discrimination creates an unequal society where some individuals cannot and do not benefit from the same rights and privileges that others enjoy. To make matters worse, discrimination – whether obvious or hidden – often continues to harm a group of people even after a discriminatory practice ends. These long-lasting effects of discrimination often compound if they are not addressed proactively.
Volunteer expectations
Below is a list of ways in which we expect volunteers to comply with civil rights laws. Compliance is required by law, but there are ways in which we can go above and beyond just compliance and be inclusive to all audiences.
Compliance: Non-discrimination based on sex.
Ensure all participants feel welcome
No sex-separate programs or activities, contests, or awards,
No sexual harassment
Inclusion: Promoting equal participation across sexes.
Example: Highlight achievements of people who identify as women
Compliance: Non-discrimination based on race or national origin.
Ensure all participants feel welcome
Be aware of implicit bias
Inclusion: Serving the needs of underserved communities.
Example: Ask communities how they want to engage with pollinators. Create programs to serve their needs.
Compliance: Accessibility
Reduce barriers to participation by those with physical or mental limitations.
Include strategies to assist those who may not be able to read written material or who have visual and/or hearing impairments, physical and mental challenges, and other varying abilities.
Inclusion: Create accessible content as much as possible.
Example: Connect with organizations serving participants with physical or mental challenges.
Compliance: Public notification
Ensure all groups within a community are aware that Extension programs are available to everyone.
Inclusion: Make connections to underserved communities.
Example: Take note of who is missing in your audiences and make efforts to reach out directly.