ARDI
ECP’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative
Educated Choices Program (ECP) inspires audiences to think critically about food systems, to make healthy and compassionate choices when possible, and to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world. Within our organization, we value these same approaches toward cultivating an anti-racist and inclusive work environment: thinking critically about our own standards, policies, and practices, making choices that rely on and celebrate a diversity of perspectives, and maintaining an active role in creating a just and equitable work culture for all staff.
ARDI STATEMENT
ECP formed the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Committee in 2021 to assist with these goals. We recognize that this work is essential to supporting all members of our community, which may only be accomplished by deconstructing the intersecting marginalizations of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and disability through a critical and ongoing review of current and future operations within our organization.
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With this focus, ECP will be better situated to both support our current personnel and forge a more diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring adequate representation for our team members and those we serve.
OUR IMPACT
Since its formation, the ARDI committee has worked to raise awareness and establish policies to promote our goals. These efforts have resulted in:
Programs
Improved accessibility features, including larger and more legible text, expanded captioning options, and design considerations for viewers with color deficiencies
Removing gendered language and stereotypically gendered roles from all company policies
Increased diversity and inclusions, including graphics, language, and other content that more broadly represent our international audience
Adjusting job descriptions
to increase the visibility of more diverse and inclusive hiring desires
Established an internal review process and seal to certify that new and updated video presentations uphold these standards
Providing options to take Juneteenth or Indigenous Peoples’ Day
as a paid holiday
Practices
OUR WORKFORCE
We consistently research and implement hiring practices that foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce. We celebrate our unique and ever-growing team.
Age of Employees
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
ECP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. ECP is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ECP are based on the organization's needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the USA. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We believe in having a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including historically underrepresented populations.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
At ECP, education is essential.
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The ARDI Committee is proud to offer monthly learning opportunities on topics related to diversity and inclusion. Importantly, these monthly sessions are not just led by the ARDI Committee but also by those outside of the Committee. This has welcomed a diverse set of viewpoints and experiences to be covered and continues to be one of the most successful ARDI initiatives at ECP, thanks to the range of voices and topics featured.
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In addition to diversity, inclusion, and awareness days, learning opportunities and resources related to health and wellness are also covered.