Investing in Diversity

Investing in DIVERSITY Why we must all take a stand for inclusion and equality in the Jewish community. kavod habriyot tzedek tikkun olam DIGNITY & RESPECT JUSTICE REPAIR THE WORLD The Jewish values of kavod habriyot, tzedek and tikkun olam teach us that we have a duty to treat all people with respect, that we are obligated to pursue justice and that we must contribute to perfecting our world. 7 ADDITIONAL JEWISH VALUES THAT SUPPORT LGBT INCLUSION ШI CIVILITY & LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR SOLIDARITY GUARD PEACE COMMUNAL IN ONE'S USE OF LANGUAGE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY НОМE HUMANITY GOD'S IMAGE AS YOURSELF A DIVERSE Jewish community is a STRONGER, MORE ENDURING Jewish community. Al Jors, regardless of age, disability, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, must be welcomed and actively included in Jewish organizations and communal life. LGBT Jews have long been a wellspring of vitality and strength in, and on behalf of, our community. But their contributions have not always been fully acknowledged. From Harvey Milk, to Kate Bornstein, Lesléa Newman and many others, Jewish LGBT changemakers have shown the courage, vision and conviction to overcome homophobia and transphobia and make a lasting impact on the world. **** MILK MIL The JEWISH ORGANIZATION EQUALITY INDEX (JOEI) is the Human Rights Campaign's first-ever survey of inclusion within a faith- based community. It establishes preliminary benchmarks of Jewish nonprofit organizations' policies and practices as they relate to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members, clients, volunteers and employees. Based on a numerical score, the 204 participating organizations were placed into one of four categories describing policies and activities around LGBT diversity and inclusion. ADAPTATION 27% INCLUSION 50% (or 102 survey respondents) achieved the top JOEI rating, "Inclusion. EXPLORATION 13% CONTEMPLATION 10% INCLUSION ADAPTATION EXPLORATION CONTEMPLATION Organizations have recognized that the inclusion of the LGBT community Organizations demonstrate the benefits of a fully engaged LGBT community, and inclusion efforts are integrated into everyday functioning of the organization. Organizations are implementing new policies and practices aimed at fostering inclusion of the LGBT community within their groups. Organizations are examining available avenues to creating cultural change, but have yet to may present unique opportunities and challenges, but has yet to identify a path forward. take action or have only just begun. We believe we can take strides to improve LGBT inclusion: TRAINING 59% of participating organizations have not completed diversity or inclusion training, which is an important step in creating a more inclusive community. LEADERSHIP 75% percent of organizations have not specifically recruited LGBT individuals to their lay leadership board in the past three years. The presence of LGBT individuals as Íay leaders is an important catalyst to greater awareness, understanding and inclusion. SMT W TF S PROGRAMMING 51% of participating local organizations do not provide LGBT-specific programming or include LGBT content in their organization's general programming. You can take action. Ask your organization to adopt a policy of inclusion. Attend a training to learn how to make your Sign the anti-bullying pledge. community LGBT inclusive. Find inclusive clergy and institutions in your area and learn about their policies and practices online. Show your support and spread the word online. As you consider the role you might play, think of someone in your life who has struggled, or continues to struggle, to find a community that is welcoming and supportive. Take action in honor of that person. LEARN MORE AND TAKE ACTION: www.jlgbt.tumblr.com #jlgbt Presented by (KESHET HUMAN RIGHTS SCHUSTERMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION CAMPAIGN, Stuart THE MORNINGSTAR FOUNDATION KURLANDER Produced by HERE'S MY CHANCE