JEDI
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are deeply committed to the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). We recognize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where every young person feels affirmed, understood, and celebrated. We actively foster a culture that embraces diversity and champions equity by actively listening to and learning from the unique experiences of our youth.
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We are dedicated to providing mentorship that respects and honors each individual's identity, ensuring that all our young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a world where they are valued and included.
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We want every young person to feel supported and heard. If you have questions, need advice, or want to learn more about our programs, please reach out to our friendly staff. We are here to help you find the support and resources you need and ensure your experience with us is positive and empowering.
Contact us directly 831-464-8691 by phone or text to start the conversation, and let us know how we can best support you on your mentorship journey.
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We're here to match you with a mentor who embodies the values and identity that resonate with you. We also offer ongoing youth meetups at our community room and opportunities for group mentorship while you wait to be matched with a mentor.​
Our agency's commitment to JEDI
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our key interested parties, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.
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Supporting LGBTQ Youth
We're proud to have initiated one of the first LGBTQ Youth focused mentorship programs in the Big Brothers Big Sisters national association of agencies. In 2016, we next launched our LGBTQ Youth Mentoring Enhancement Initiative, funded by the Altria Group. This initiative was research-based, thoughtful, and deliberate. It was designed to amplify the work of LGBTQ youth and mentors in our network and to ensure that our LGBTQ Youth are affirmed, understood, and celebrated. The initiative began as a pilot program with our agency and four others. A year later, we expanded it to 20 agencies. Now, we’ve included our whole network in the program, which includes training opportunities, inclusive policies and procedures, and specific focus on anti-bullying, self-advocacy, and identity exploration.
