EDI: CULTURAL COMMUNITY ONBOARDING

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

CULTURAL

COMMUNITY ONBOARDING

What is ALTSA Cultural Community Onboarding?

ALTSA Cultural Community Onboarding is a workshop designed for new employees who are joining ALTSA. This workshop has a focused emphasis on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This offering for new employees is not intended to replace the new employee orientation offered by Human Resources. It is an introduction from the EDI team to welcome and invite new staff into a conversation around EDI.

Why is this important?

• Studies show that onboarding staff with an emphasis on EDI makes the onboarding experience for new employees much better and allows for them to make a connection to equity, diversity and inclusion. • Diversity and inclusion are important values to

ALTSA. By offering this program, it provides the EDI team with an opportunity to connect new staff to the understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as a core value.

Photo by Denise Maroney

Expectations for Attending:

• All new staff should join the conversation within six months of joining the agency.

When are the workshops offered?

The workshops are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the 4th Wednesday of each month. Sign-up is available in the Washington Learning Center.

Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3sIqaeM

(Remember to use Google Chrome. If there are any issues with registering, copy this link and paste it into the search bar in Google Chrome.)

Benefits of EDI Onboarding

Studies show that onboarding staff with an emphasis on EDI makes the onboarding experience for new employees much better and allows for them to make a connection to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Goals:

• To define what EDI means to DSHS/ALTSA. • To communicate by having a conversation, and not instruct. • To work with new staff toward feeling comfortable talking about EDI. • To introduce and connect organizational values to their values. • Connect EDI to their position. • Provide an opportunity to check in over the year.

Topics:

• Introduction to DSHS/ALTSA’s Mission and Purpose • Culture (Organizational, Work, and Own Culture) • Cultural Script • Values (organizational and personal values) • What is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion? • Acknowledging Diversity • Introducing policies relating to EDI • Employee Resource Groups

During the workshop, we explore a deeper level as to WHY people do what they do. They are asked to provide their WHY for joining ALTSA. Here are some of their responses: • To advocate, connect, provide support, help, serve, give back. • Career commitment/alignment to career goals • To give back to the vulnerable population. • Like working with vulnerable adults • Challenging position • Connect with the community • Being a voice for the voiceless • Rewarding • Passion for the work. • Learn and grow • Work with a diverse team.

Before we get started with the conversation, we often sense and hear hesitancy from staff. Many are uncertain about the flow of the day and what to expect. When staff are asked at the end of the day to provide their takeaway, here are some of the responses: • Like the diversity connections made. • Reinforces DSHS is trying to impact all lives. • Importance of shining a light on the issues of EDI. • The training didn’t take us down a rabbit hole on

EDI. • Looking forward to a workplace that values EDI but understanding that we have a long way to go. • Nice to hear different perspectives. • Improve interaction with clients/coworkers. • Long way to go but a great start. • Respect that DSHS is putting forth the effort to engage in the conversation and are committed to doing the right thing • Voice empowerment and having EDI backs it up • Happy to work for an agency that values EDI. • Enforces EDI related topics are ongoing, lifelong and an evolving conversation.