Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Lane Workforce Partnership we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not static ideas, but rather an ongoing journey that demands dedication and a commitment to continual learning and advancement. Our organization is dedicated to realizing this vision by actively aligning our services, fostering collaborative partnerships, promoting community development, and embracing a multitude of perspectives and voices. By embracing these principles, we aim to create an environment that celebrates and empowers individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for success, and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.

INTENT

WHY

CHALLENGES

RESOURCES

INITIATIVES/INVESTMENTS

INTENT

  • Enhance understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues
  • Catalyze value-based initiatives to support cohesive and longer-term approaches
  • Develop effective strategies to successfully recruit and retain a diverse workforce
  • Invest in efforts that work towards strengthening our regional economy
  • Empower leaders and decision makers to push boundaries
  • Support individual and organizational developmental gaps
  • Promote relevant and accessible tools, resources, and trainings
  • Showcase inclusive leadership and practices across the region as well as the benefits from the inclusive behavior
  • Review of old “best practices”
  • Bring economic justice to the agenda

WHY FOCUS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly recognized as important elements in creating thriving workplaces. Embracing these principles has demonstrated a multitude of significant benefits ranging from fostering different perspectives to driving enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. By cultivating an environment that values diverse voices and experiences, organizations can make more informed decisions, engage their employees at a deeper level, reduce turnover rates, and bolster their reputation in the industry. Moreover, a commitment to DEI practices yields improved hiring outcomes and, ultimately, increased profitability.

As the Workforce Board for Lane County along with other dedicated members of this community, we hold ourselves accountable for promoting and nurturing these principles, firmly believing in our responsibility to drive positive change through fostering productive conversations and embracing diverse ways of thinking.

CHALLENGES

  • Economic inefficiencies
  • Labor force shortage and Under-utilization
  • Organizational readiness
  • Recruitment & Retention *worksite culture*
    • Occupational segregation
    • Implicit bias and Unconscious bias
    • Microagression
    • Marginality
    • Oppression
    • Stereotype threat

RESOURCES

INITIATIVES AND INVESTMENTS

The Lane County Latino a/x Leadership Workgroup was established through a collaborative effort between The Oregon Community Foundation – Latino Partnership Program, Palo Alto Software, and Lane Workforce Partnership, aiming to create a stronger platform for Latino a/x leaders in the region. By uniting leaders from diverse sectors, these gatherings foster an environment that encourages personal connections and inspires the development of community-driven solutions. The workgroup serves as a catalyst for positive change, engaging its members in co-creating a vision and purpose, organizing and advocating for a strategic budget and policy agenda, and forging partnerships with leaders and public officials to drive meaningful advancements.

The Lane County Latino a/x Leadership Workgroup is co-facilitated by Dr. José Meléndez, Assistant Professor of Planning for Engaging Diverse Communities at the University of Oregon’s School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management. 

Lane County Latino a/x Leadership Mission/Vision Statement

The Ask and Commitment of Participants:

  • Use their influence to support and advocate for under-represented and minority communities and strengthen resilience among our community.
  • Foster relationships between government, business, education, and charitable institutions in creating a health Eugene/Springfield economy.
  • Be involved in creating constructive and sustainable pathways for our community.

Goals/Themes (no particular order):

  • Community building; within this group, our own Latino a/x community, and more broadly
  • Creating a sense of belonging
  • Jobs and the economy
  • Social capital
  • Education (Birth and Beyond)
  • Leadership and Professional Development; across the entire spectrum
  • Financial literacy and wealth building
  • Leadership support

 

 

The Technology Association of Oregon and Lane Workforce Partnership have joined forces to introduce an innovative and comprehensive six-week peer cohort workshop series. This program is specifically tailored for HR and Hiring Managers, aiming to enhance their skills in Cultural Intelligence to optimize team performance.

Fostering an inclusive culture in a remote work environment has posed significant hurdles for companies during the pandemic. However, as organizations transition back to physical offices, new possibilities emerge offering unique avenues to shape and redefine company culture. Designed for leaders located in the Southern Willamette Valley, this course serves as a catalyst for their personal development, empowering them to embark on the next phase of their journey. By actively participating in this program, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Cultural Intelligence and leave with a detailed action plan for honing and expanding their skills. Furthermore, participants will acquire the ability to employ the Cultural Intelligence lens to shape and implement effective practices pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion within their respective organizations.