Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Search

By Amanda Bulgrin, Recruitment and Staff Development Manager

Starting in June of this year, Search launched an initiative to bring awareness to issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to our staff and the individuals we serve. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming celebrates what makes us each unique and the contributions people of all ages, races, genders, religions, sexualities, nationalities and cultures to both Search and their community. We have established a DEI committee with 7 members that meets each month to plan upcoming events! 

Since beginning this initiative, our team has hosted 8 lunch and learn sessions on topics including LGBTQ+ History and Pride, Juneteenth, Disability Pride Month, The Anniversary of the American’s With Disabilities Act, Ageism, Hispanic Heritage Month and World Mental Health Day. These events have been hosted by both staff and individuals who volunteered their time to share their passion and knowledge of DEI topics with the Search team.

Here is what they had to say about their experience:

Tina Z: "It is a pleasure to have more accessibility, teaching opportunities and learning opportunities with the DEI platform we are building on.  The topics and conversations being generated are naturally bringing more critical and mindful growth with the individuals we serve and staff. I am grateful to be a part of this!" 

Melanie A: “Being involved with the DEI initiative at Search has allowed me the opportunity to sit down and think about the advantages that I have had in life and how I have been privileged in some areas while underprivileged in others. We have multiple forums to discuss internal bias, core values and our intentions for ensuring that Search is a welcoming, inviting place for all.”

Additionally, Search has held 4 trainings to educate our staff on the importance of DEI and its role in helping people feel a sense of belonging at work, recognizing your own biases, how to address biases with coworkers and how to make new staff feel supported and welcomed.

This initiative will continue throughout the coming year and hopefully for years to come! Search encourages all staff and individuals to participate in learning opportunities and is open to any ideas for future trainings.