DEIJ Commitment and Goals

DEIJ Commitment Statement and Goals

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility deeply values diversity and recognizes the significant contributions of diverse voices, perspectives, and innovative thinking to our economy and communities. We understand that businesses can be powerful catalysts for social justice, playing a pivotal role in addressing historical and ongoing inequities as we strive toward an inclusive economy. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice not only drives business success but also aligns with our core mission.

Our communities thrive when we lift everyone up and ensure that all individuals can realize their full potential. It is not enough to merely speak about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice – we are also dedicated to actively demonstrating these principles to cultivate a welcoming environment that benefits everyone. To fulfill this commitment, we are taking concrete actions and initiatives to embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice into every facet of our work, consistent with our values and vision.

Actions and Commitments

Leadership Development: We are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Our staff and Board of Directors will participate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) training, through our programs and in collaboration with our partners.

Programming: We will continue developing and delivering substantive programming on DEIJ and actively encourage our business members and the larger community to engage with it alongside us.

Partnerships: We will establish meaningful, enduring partnerships with local organizations that practice DEIJ, including those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQ+; and other marginalized groups that champion social responsibility and justice throughout New Hampshire. Our aim is to ensure inclusivity and collaboration with all members of these local organizations dedicated to advancing DEIJ principles.

Public Policy: We will continue to actively support policy initiatives on a nonpartisan basis that promote social responsibility and justice for marginalized communities in our state.

Membership: We are committed to recruiting businesses that practice DEIJ principles and ensuring that our recruitment efforts encompass all businesses, including those led by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized individuals. Our goal is to shape the future of our organization by welcoming a diverse range of businesses and removing access barriers wherever possible. Inclusivity is at the forefront of our recruitment approach.

Leadership: We are dedicated to building and maintaining a diverse organization that represents various demographic groups. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our staff and leadership, across all dimensions, embrace the importance of diversity. Our goal is to create an inclusive and diverse Board and leadership team, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, with a focus on removing barriers to representation of different groups.

Diverse Experts: We will ensure broad representation of the diverse people and perspectives that make up our state in all our programming, including on panels, workshops, and other public events.

Accountability: We will collect DEIJ data via voluntary disclosure to monitor our progress in meeting these goals.

Member Engagement: We will encourage and support our member companies, and the New Hampshire business community at large, in setting and tracking meaningful goals of their own for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Progress: As we progress in our journey of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, we are committed to actively seeking input and guidance from diverse leaders. This includes engaging in regular dialogues, surveys, and open forums to ensure that the voices and insights of a wide range of individuals are heard and valued. Together, we will collectively shape and advance our commitment to DEIJ principles.