Goal #4 Inclusion Create access to opportunities and resources for all residents. 4.1 Align with the County’s Equity and Inclusion Action Plan. Although gains have been made in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) through the County’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), more can be done. Specifically, in articulating and implementing policies through Mecklenburg Park & Rec. Mecklenburg Park & Rec should continue to build on a partnership with OEI and develop a formal plan that outlines goals, guidelines, and procedures that will help to ensure all residents of the County have equitable and unbiased access to facilities, programs, and services. While it is complicated to measure intangible metrics like bias, the mere act of creating the standard is meaningful. Doing so will solidify a stance of inclusion that will remain central to Mecklenburg Park & Rec’s messaging. In order to define direction, create alignment, and continue to generate commitment to DEI, Mecklenburg Park & Rec leadership can take some important steps to allow staff to evaluate
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individual and collective perspective, identity, values, and culture. As an organization, they can consider how those experiences may affect their approach and effectiveness. Then, Mecklenburg Park & Rec can evaluate how dynamics of DEI affect residents and department strategic planning. True inclusion requires active, intentional, and ongoing efforts to promote full participation and a sense of belonging of every employee, customer, and strategic partner. It involves procedures and practices, but also the ability to envision and enact new ways of leading. Across the Mecklenburg Park & Rec divisions, leaders will need to define new requirements and reimagine what inclusive leadership looks like at their division. Divisional leadership will need tools and support, both financially and functionally, as they improve their ability to identify and mitigate bias, respect differences, manage conflict, and create a system of inclusion for individuals with physical
and cognitive disabilities, members of a multicultural/racial/ethnic community, members of the refugee/immigrant community, and members of the w community. Creating and implementing a formal inclusion plan will guide Mecklenburg Park & Rec to establish consistent guidelines and encourage adherence to these guidelines. Mecklenburg Park & Rec’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation program identifies its mission and purpose as the following: “To provide therapeutic recreation services for individuals who have disabilities that focus on abilities, rather than disabilities and encourage people to attain their highest level of independent leisure functioning by increasing leisure skills, improving social and communication skills, increasing independent living skills, and increasing their awareness of and involvement in community recreational activities; to advocate for and ensure inclusive opportunities in all program services; to act as
