Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Our commitment to DEIB
360 Communities’ mission is to deliver safety and stability that improves lives. We acknowledge that we live within a society and systems of oppression that include a history of white supremacy and racism, which frequently result in injustices and inequities for people in our communities, including those we work alongside daily. We see the impacts of systemic oppression in our three impact areas: Community Resources, Student Success, and Violence Prevention and Intervention Services.
Our goal is to overcome systems of oppression by upholding our organizational values to create an equitable community that centers belonging, solidarity, and justice. We strive to support people of all cultures, races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and faiths. This includes all who access our services, our staff, our volunteers, and our community partners. 360 Communities commits to ongoing growth and tangible action to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our organization and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DEIB?
- Diversity recognizes and values the broad range of identities, experiences, and perspectives that people bring.
- Equity ensures fair access to resources and opportunities by addressing individual needs and systemic barriers.
- Inclusion creates an environment where everyone is empowered to participate, contribute, and feel valued.
- Belonging is the result of these efforts, a culture where people feel respected, supported, and able to be their authentic selves.
Why is DEIB important to 360 Communities?
DEIB is essential to advancing 360 Communities’ mission, values, and core competencies. It strengthens our ability to serve the community by ensuring our programs, staff, volunteers, leadership, and board reflect the people we work alongside.
Embracing DEIB builds trust, deepens impact, and supports more informed, equitable decision-making that better meets the diverse needs of our community. It also fosters environments where people can fully contribute, enhancing collaboration, innovation, and engagement while supporting fair access to opportunities and reducing systemic barriers.
How does DEIB show up in 360 Communities programs and services?
We center our programs on people by making them accessible, culturally-responsive, and grounded in the lived experiences of the diverse communities we serve.
In practice, this includes:
- Offering materials in multiple languages based on community demographics
- Providing both virtual and in-person participation options (where applicable)
- Applying universal design principles in our new Lewis House to support inclusive accessibility that goes beyond ADA compliance
- Partnering with schools, clinics, and faith-based organizations to expand service delivery and reach historically underrepresented groups.
- Adjusting program schedules when possible based on participation trends, and we prioritize hiring facilitators and trainers who reflect the communities we serve
- Reducing barriers to access, by offering participation at no cost across all programs, with transportation support available when needed (where applicable)
- Continuously adapting our services using participant feedback and engagement data to ensure our programs remain relevant and responsive as community needs evolve
How do we encourage 360 Communities staff, volunteers, and board members to participate in DEIB efforts?
We help staff, volunteers, and board members actively advance DEIB by integrating these principles into their daily work, decisions, and interactions. This includes participating in DEIB learning opportunities such as trainings, workshops, events, and celebrations, as well as joining the DEIB Workgroup (staff-specific) and planning committees (open to all) that help guide organizational practices, policies, and initiatives.
Everyone is encouraged to engage in open dialogue, share feedback, and help ensure our policies and programs reflect the communities we serve and the organizational culture we want to create.
Engagement also involves reflecting on personal and collective identities, remaining open to ongoing learning, and participating in respectful, culturally responsive, and restorative approaches to navigating conflict.
Staff and Board members may also deepen their growth through individualized Intercultural Development Plans connected to their participation in the Intercultural Development Inventory, along with related key learning opportunities that support ongoing development toward a more inclusive and intercultural mindset.
How can community members, program participants, and donors support our DEIB efforts?
Community members, program participants, and donors play a vital role in advancing our DEIB efforts by sharing feedback, lived experiences, and perspectives that help shape our programs and services. This can include participating in surveys, listening sessions, advisory groups, and ongoing community conversations, as well as providing real-time feedback during services.
Support also comes through practicing and promoting equitable, respectful, and inclusive engagement in all community spaces. In addition, individuals can support initiatives aligned with our mission by attending local cultural events and learning opportunities that deepen understanding of diverse experiences.
Donors further strengthen this work by investing in programs and priorities that expand access, reduce barriers, and advance equity across our organization and community. Support our programs here.
About 360 Communities
Founded in 1972 by a group of volunteers, we are driver of positive change in South Metro.
Implemented Strategies
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Workgroup
The DEIB workgroup consists of employees from across the organization and provides recommendations for policies and procedures, trainings, and organizational direction.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Director
The purpose of the DEIB Director position is to lead the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within our organization, including the DEIB workgroup, develop DEIB strategies, and build strong relationships with diverse community partners.
Equitable compensation and benefits
We offer a positive pay differential for employees with multiple language proficiencies, reflective supervision, free health services through Nice Healthcare to supplement standard health insurance, floating holidays, gender-neutral parental leave, and an inclusive bereavement policy.
Inclusive hiring practices
We diversify our recruitment strategies through job board postings, advertising of open positions, and utilizing clear and accessible language in job descriptions. We use panel interview methods with standardized questions to reduce the effects of internalized biases. We focus on duties, responsibilities, and the candidate as a whole person rather than a rigid understanding of “qualifications.”
Professional development opportunities
Staff utilize the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), a customized assessment tool to build intercultural competence within our organization. Staff, volunteers, and board members are encouraged to engage in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainings, workshops, cultural events, and cultural celebrations.
Remove barriers to accessing services
By utilizing our core competencies as an organization, we focus on providing person-centered services and a dignified experience. At our food shelves, we serve clients regardless of income. Partners for Success® family support workers offer community resource support to any family with a student in the school. In our Violence Prevention and Intervention program area, we aim to meet participants where they are and walk with them to find their path to safety. We work with all people that identify as a victim/survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and stalking, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
What our staff are saying
91% of staff say they feel a sense of belonging within the 360 Communities organization.