Diversity, Equity and Belonging
Regional DEB Vision Statement:
We are a Region committed to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging at every level of leadership and participation to effectively reach all kids in obedience to Christ.
Regional Definitions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Diversity:
A unique and wide range of differences (abilities, genders, social and ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, etc.) that we embrace and celebrate, as ordained by God.
Equity:
To identify, acknowledge, and create solutions that address historical and present systems of oppression that are perpetuated by society and produce disparate experiences within Young Life,
Belonging:
A sense of freedom in bringing one whole self authentically, keeping in mind that we belong to each other because we first belong to Christ.
EGLR REgional Assessment
*Provided by Cultured Enuf
EGLR REgional Vision video
EGLR Diversity Video
EGLR EQUITY VIDEO
EGLR BELONGING VIDEO
DEB Task Force 2022-23
Heidi Church, Area Director, Belleville-Ypsilanti - Task Force Chair
Email Heidi at: pastorheidi2016@gmail.com
YL Volunteers:
Daphne Adams, Ann Arbor
Elise Butler, Southfield
Jacquilyn Dudley, Ypsilanti
Ashley Hayes, Southfield
James McDaniel, Midland
YL Staff:
Sue Anker, Regional Capernaum Coordinator
Alex Bly, Student Staff, Belleville-Ypsilanti
Lizzie Eiler, Staff Associate, Greater Lansing
Shannon Gaston, Learning Manager, Midwest Division
Katie Jason, Area Director, Farmington
Kelsey Jenney, Regional Initiatives Coordinator
Emma McPherson, Staff Associate, Livingston County
Jeff Prior, Area Director, Greater Ann Arbor
Brian Trost, Regional Director
Jeremy VanHaitsma, Associate Regional Director
Jared Vince, Associate Regional Director
DianeJayne Williams, Student Staff, Belleville-Ypsilanti
Task Force Completed Work, 2022-2023:
1. Enhanced Communication about DEB Priorities in the Region
We produced 4 videos about our DEB commitment to share with all YL staff and volunteers (Leaders and Committee) in 2023.
Expanded regional website to feature our Regional DEB information and opportunities, and included DEB Task Force members and relevant credentials.
Created Staff Covenant to articulate commitments in our staff relationships and meeting spaces.
2. Revised Staff Hiring and Onboarding Process
We will now include an “Onboarding CQ Dialogue” for every new regional full-time staff person in their first month of employment, to be conducted by someone trained in the CQ Assessment tool used in our regional interview process. This one-on-one meeting will review insights from their CQ Assessment and create an early action plan for CQ growth.
Entire regional interview process reviewed for inclusivity and bias, updated several steps of our process to reflect this commitment.
3. Regional Structure
Created a Regional DEB Budget and YL mission account, to increase awareness and visibility of funds targeted to advance our DEB work.
Regional job targets and personal staff goals revised to include new components of DEB learning and action. These targets are included in supervisory dialogues regarding ministry and leadership progress.
4. Training
Our Regional Lead Team participated in a workshop on Psychological Safety conducted by KB Newton, an outside expert.
Heidi Church led a segment on psychological safety for our regional staff.
Held a DEB Development Day for regional staff focused on ministry to students with disabilities, featuring Dr. Carlos Thompson, professor of Disability Theology.
Developed a DEB Guide for weekend Camp Directors to ensure all participants are considered in planning and that DEB expectations are clear for all Leaders and students on weekend camps.
