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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (I.D.E.A.) Committee

Members of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (I.D.E.A.) Committee at Erie 1 BOCES pose for a photo.

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (I.D.E.A.) Committee at Erie 1 BOCES is charged with overseeing and facilitating that key elements continue to evolve our daily organizational practices that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Our Mission

Erie 1 BOCES mission is to intentionally foster diversity, equity and inclusion in every action and branch of our organization. Erie 1 BOCES will provide an environment of excellence in which each employee is able to nurture self, and group, identities while cultivating empathy and respect for differences; and foster courage to respectfully and thoughtfully address inequities within the organization.

Erie 1 BOCES champions diversity, equity, and inclusion for all employees by creating and cultivating an environment that celebrates and capitalizes on our differences. Erie 1 BOCES provides ongoing professional development to increase DEI awareness, and considers all 3 of these elements in the hiring process, with the goal of creating a diverse workforce. Ultimately creating an environment where all voices have the opportunity to be heard, and where all are supported to thrive.

Diversity encompasses, race, ethnicity, country of origin, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, religion, gender and sexuality. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity optimize contemporary inclusive practices as well as disrupt and transform unprincipled thoughts and actions.

The Inclusion. Diversity. Equity. Advocacy. (I.D.E.A.) Committee seeks to support the following Strategic Objectives:

  • Create an environment that fosters awareness and inclusive practices by supporting anti-bias protocols, ongoing professional development, and equity in hiring.
  • Hold leadership accountable for diversity, equity and inclusion goals and objectives. Improve the inclusion of all people at all levels of the institution.
  • Specifically, address how our organization distinguishes individuals and groups in ways that privilege some and constrain others.
  • Require that new hires share our organization's values regarding diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Require that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, actions, and results are transparent to all key stakeholders.