Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Statement

CONTACT Helpline is committed to creating and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as we carry out our mission to provide compassionate listening and vital resource referrals 24/7; and realize our vision to assist in building a better community one connection at a time. This commitment applies to every aspect of our programming as well as our engagement with staff, volunteers, service recipients, board, and other stakeholders.

CONTACT Helpline has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and by extension, the communities in which they live, since its inception in 1970. Throughout these years of service provision, the organization recognizes that welcoming and incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion has been and will continue to be critical to the organization’s success.

At Contact Helpline we define diversity, equity, and inclusion as:

Diversity: Appreciation and representation of the unique differences of individuals, seen and unseen, including background, experiences, perspectives, skills, and talents.

Equity: Equal opportunity, including the opportunity to contribute, develop and grow, equal access, and fair and equitable treatment for all.

Inclusion: An environment where differences are sought after, welcomed, respected, and valued; where all voices are heard and considered, including ensuring that persons within historically underrepresented groups are included and represented.

To achieve CONTACT Helpline’s DEI goals, we expect:

• Proactive, intentional inclusion of diverse perspectives, in partnerships and collaborative efforts.

• All aspects of service offerings, programming, practices, design, and implementation are to be accomplished through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Respectful communication, cooperation, and teamwork that facilitates the full participation of all.

• CONTACT Helpline, volunteers, advisory groups, Board of Directors, committee representatives as well as staff to be diverse to ensure that our work and our interactions receive a full range of diverse perspectives and insights.

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At CONTACT Helpline we recruit, hire and reward staff based on their skills and performance
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age,
educational background, national origin, religion, neurodiversity, or physical abilities.
We believe that all who associate with CONTACT Helpline have a responsibility to treat others
with dignity and respect. CONTACT Helpline staff and volunteers are required to attend and
complete annual diversity and inclusion training to continue to sharpen and hone their
knowledge and skills and to guide their work.

As an organization that celebrates the rich diversity of those we serve we will not tolerate
discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind. Any employee, volunteer, or stakeholder
found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct against others contrary to the DEI principles
outlined in this document may be subject to termination of employment, association, or other
forms of disciplinary action. Employees, volunteers, or stakeholders who believe they have
been subject to behavior in conflict with CONTACT Helpline’s DEI principles should escalate the
matter to a member of CONTACT Helpline’s management team.