Our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Belonging, Inclusion and Accessibility (JEDI) Statement

At NCEMCH, we are committed to promoting justice, equity, diversity and belonging, and inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team, with individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, strengthens our ability to address the complex public health challenges we face today. To that end, we have developed the following statement to guide our organization's approach.

What are we striving for?

• Justice. We recognize that systemic injustices – including structural racism – exist and impact the health and well-being of diverse communities, including individuals with disabilities. We are committed to addressing these inequities by advocating for fair and just policies, programs, and practices that promote health equity and accessibility for all.
  • We believe that Black lives matter, Black culture matters, Black families matter, and Black communities matter.
  • We recognize tha these lands originally were the home to Tribal nations and that DC and Georgetown University has a long history of inclusion AND prejudice.
  • We work to make real the promise of our commitment to create an inclusive environment to celebrate diversity of gender identity.
• Equity. We believe in equal access to resources, opportunities, and power. We are dedicated to eliminating barriers and working towards equitable health outcomes for all populations. We actively seek to identify and address accessibility gaps to ensure equal participation and inclusion.
• Diversity and Belonging. We celebrate diversity and understand that it enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to serve the community. We actively seek to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse staff, recognizing that their perspectives and contributions are critical to our work. We recognize that a sense of belonging is essential for the well-being and success of all individuals within our organization. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every staff member, regardless of their background or abilities, feels a deep sense of belonging, connection, and value. We foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding, where diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged but also embraced and valued.
• Inclusion and Accessibility. We value and respect the unique contributions and experiences of every individual within our organization. We strive to foster an environment where all staff members feel welcomed, supported, and valued for their authentic selves. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and collaborative decision-making to ensure that all voices are represented and considered and that every staff member contributes their unique insights to our work. We are committed to promoting accessibility in all aspects of our organization. We prioritize the removal of physical, communication, and technological barriers that hinder full participation for individuals with disabilities. We ensure that our physical spaces, digital platforms, communication channels, and events are accessible and accommodate the diverse needs of our staff, partners, and communities.

How do we do this?

We integrate continuous learning and accountability in all aspects of our work, namely:

• Continuous Learning. We commit to ongoing self-reflection and education to deepen our understanding of systemic injustices, health disparities, and the root causes of inequities. We seek to apply this knowledge in our work, adapt our approaches as needed, and continuously improve our efforts to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Accountability. We hold ourselves accountable for upholding these principles throughout our organization. We regularly evaluate our policies, practices, and programs to identify areas for improvement and ensure they align with our commitment to justice, equity, diversity and belonging, and inclusion and accessibility.

Specifically, our MCH Navigator focused on competency-based strategies and trainings to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Learning Spotlight provides learning opportunities and supplemental resources to support the Health Equity Framework. In collaboration with the Association of Teachers of Maternal and Child Health (ATMCH) and the MCH Evidence Center, the Navigator developed an on-demand webinar on The Water of Systems Change Approach: Connecting the Dots for Health Equity, Racial Justice, and Social Determinants of Health. In collaboration with the National MCH Workforce Development Center, staff have compiled a resource page on health equity and engaging people with lived experiences. The first year of MCHwork (all three issues) are equity specific and also the first issue from year two is focused on Lived Experience. In partnership with the MCH Evidence Center, NCEMCH has developed a page outlining Equity Tools, including a summary video of What Title V Agencies are Doing to Advance Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health. Finally, users can access the lastest online trainings on equity with this Quick Finds link.

How do our efforts align with broader Georgetown University efforts?

We strongly support and embrace the efforts of Georgetown University’s leadership to promote and foster diversity and support free inquiry and free expression. The campus provides resources and support to a wide variety of efforts, including the Provost’s Diversity Advisory Committee and Georgetown’s Racial Justice Institute. These and our efforts are supplemented by the Georgetown University Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action and other resources available to all Georgetown students, faculty, and staff. The University’s Policy on Free Speech and Expression complements our commitment to fostering an environment where all members of our community are free to fully participate. 

By embracing justice, equity, diversity and belonging, and inclusion and accessibility, we aim to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate, contribute, and thrive. We aim to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and compassion that not only strengthens our organization but also creates meaningful and lasting positive impacts on the health, mental health, and well-being of the communities we serve.