J USTICE D IVERSITY E QUITY I NCLUSION

JDEI – which stands for justice, diversity, equity and inclusion – is a continuing journey for PEP as we work to become a more just, diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. In FY22, PEP engaged Maryland Nonprofits to survey program participants, parent educators, staff and board members. They also conducted focus groups of participants of color and LGBTQ+ parents in PEP’s online master classes to learn what they felt PEP should know about their experience with PEP. (Note: in the Maryland Nonprofits surveys and focus groups, we did not include participants whom PEP reaches through our Spanishlanguage classes or in our new Family Resiliency Program, either because those programs are just starting or because they have been undergoing evaluation and adaptation for several years with our partners.)

This fall and winter, PEP board, staff and parent educators will explore the survey and focus group findings to better understand what our constituents appreciate about our work, and, how we can do better. We are following the same advice we give to parents, which is —listen to understand, with an open mind, and without judgement. Much like parenting, JDEI work is not about the end goal, but about the process. As we reflect on what we have heard, we can understand and make changes over time that will make us a truly welcoming organization.

Pep Jdei Task Force Members

Susan Milner, Chair and Board Member

Mary Douglas, Parent Educator

Bridget Edwards, Staff

Kathy Hedge, Staff

Emilio Hernandez, Parent Educator

Tory Joseph, Board Member and Parent Educator

Margaret Klotz, Board Member

Oswaldo Montoya, Parent Educator

Maryland Nonprofits Consultants:

Carmen C. Marshall, Erin Donovan, Sydney Biggs