Equity Commitment

Equity • Diversity • Access • Inclusion

EQUITY

We at Everybody Dance LA!, commit to working actively to challenge and respond to known and unknown bias, harassment and discrimination of all kinds in our studios and offices. We practice a policy of equal opportunity for the communities we serve and those who work for us. Our goal is to create a safe space to teach, work and learn through equitable practices.

DIVERSITY

We commit to increasing diversity in our organization in its many forms, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious beliefs, age, (dis)ability status, citizenship status, education and political perspective. We strive to create a culture of openness, respect, organizational transparency and community responsiveness both in our programming and organizational practices. We celebrate and honor the differences of all who work and learn with us. We truly believe that everybody can dance.

ACCESS

We strive to ensure that the communities we serve have access to high-quality dance education, organizational information and program resources. We work to provide our employees with access to the information and support they need to achieve their full potential.

INCLUSION

It is central to our mission as an arts education organization to ensure that each member of our community feels included and has the opportunity to thrive in our environment. We believe that a diverse representation of people is key to educational excellence and a healthy community. We work to provide space for equity-seeking groups and voices to express themselves freely without fear of repercussions. We support equitable opportunities for growth and value the input of all students, parents and employees.

EDAI MISSION STATEMENT

Everybody Dance LA!’s Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion (EDAI) committee embraces and celebrates the differences of people in our communities. Our goal is to foster mutual respect and understanding around our differences and to create a safe and equitable space for all to learn and work. We strive to eliminate any assumptions or biases made about anyone in our community. We do this by cultivating opportunities for TGF/ED! students, families and staff to address, educate and respond to the diversity of the human experience.

EDAI COMMITTEE PURPOSE

The EDAI committee will guide and hold our organization accountable for the integration of EDAI practices in all aspects of the work and learning at Everybody Dance LA!. The committee will implement a variety of initiatives that support the progress of EDAI practices.

EDAI SCOPE

The committee will meet monthly and guide the work of diversity, equity, access and inclusion at our organization through the following:

Assessing the implementation of the EDAI Strategic Plan.
Monitoring the development, implementation and evaluation of EDAI practices for students and staff.
Providing input on organizational policies and procedures to address EDAI issues and make recommendations when appropriate.
Evaluating and recommending solutions where organizational inequities exist.
Informing and consulting with students, families and staff regarding EDAI initiatives.
Ensuring the maintenance and dissemination of EDAI policies regarding, teaching, training, hiring and the retention of students and staff.
Serving as a resource for support and consultation regarding EDAI issues that may come up for students and staff.
Disseminating information about ongoing professional development training around EDAI practices for staff.
Including EDAI inquiries into annual staff, student and family surveys to inform decision-making and understand opportunities for improvement.
Sharing the work of the EDAI committee with the TGF/ED! community and beyond.
Providing more opportunities to connect to students and families with wrap-around services and additional resources.
Exploring additional financial support for students/families who can’t afford the TGF/ED! program.

EDAI COMMITTEE CREATION

Based on staff feedback in the Spring of 2020, leadership sought out the services of Ase Power Consult to support a Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion initiative for the organization. This included workshops, listening sessions, tool kits for the teaching team, and the development of the EDAI committee and the following sub-committees: Education/Training, Data/Measurement, Initiative Steering and Community. Inquiries about the EDAI committee and subcommittees should be directed to After School Program Director Yesenia Macedo at ymacedolopez@everybodydance.org.

EDAI EQUITABLE AGREEMENTS FOR MEETINGS

Honor everyone’s perspective.
All points are important and valid.
Everyone has the opportunity to be heard in the meeting space.
Share your experiences, use “I” statements.
It is ok to disagree.
Confront, critique and challenge your discomfort.
Commit to not criticizing a perspective that holds value for another team member.
Commit to honoring every individual in the meeting, their thoughts and ideas regardless of organization title.
Commit to practicing intent vs. impact. Recognizing the impact that words make on committee members.
Commit to taking care of our mental, physical and spiritual needs during these meetings.