Nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Iowa, are ushering in a transformative era of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In a collaborative stride, the Community Foundation of Johnson County, Iowa City, and North Liberty have joined forces to kickstart a DEI training initiative specifically tailored for local nonprofits. This cooperative venture is a phoenix rising from the ashes of a need illuminated during a grant application period hosted by the foundation last autumn. It was found that numerous organizations were independently seeking funding for DEI initiatives, sparking the concept of unifying these efforts for greater collective impact.
The Training Strategy
The Conception of Collaboration
In the philanthropic ecosystem of Johnson County, the need for DEI emerged as a leitmotif among the local nonprofits searching for grants. Ellie Moore of the Community Foundation, spotting this pattern, envisioned an amalgamated strategy. By uniting the nonprofits under a single DEI training umbrella, the community could foster a more profound understanding and implementation of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This approach promises a redistribution of knowledge and resources, optimizing the efficacy of grants awarded for DEI initiatives.Session Planning and Community Engagement
The gears of the DEI training plan were set in motion through a comprehensive survey of local nonprofits, seeking their input on the most pressing DEI challenges and their preferred learning modalities. The responses shaped a multi-session training framework slated to unfold throughout the year. By incorporating a broad spectrum of DEI components, the organizers aim to nourish a congruent understanding among varying service sectors within the nonprofit realm.The Impact of Collaboration
Envisioning Shared Language and Understanding
The DEI training is designed not merely as a one-off educational endeavor but as a crucible for forging a shared DEI lexicon and cultural competence. It is intended to serve as a scaffold upon which organizations can build and reshape their policies and practices, ultimately leading to a more tolerant and inclusive community. This initiative could very well be the nucleus of an annual event, shaping the face of nonprofit service across Johnson County.Spurring Community Participation and Investment
In Johnson County, Iowa, a pivotal shift towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is underway among local nonprofits. A collaborative effort initiated by the Community Foundation of Johnson County has brought together Iowa City and North Liberty to launch a specialized DEI training program for nonprofit organizations. This innovative partnership traces its origins to a recent grant cycle where it became apparent that many nonprofits were independently vying for DEI project funds. This revelation prompted the creation of a unified approach to amplify the impact. This DEI endeavor represents a collective commitment by these communities to enhance their organizations’ cultural competency and inclusiveness. By pooling resources and efforts, Johnson County’s nonprofits aim to foster a more equitable environment, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of DEI across sectors.
