Trauma Informed Community Action (TICA) Equity, Diversity, Justice & Belonging Policy

1. Introduction

 

Trauma Informed Community Action C.I.C. (TICA) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. We recognize that an equitable approach is essential to achieving our mission and supporting trauma-informed practices.

 

2. Commitment to Social Justice

 

To meet our trauma informed ambitions effectively in line with our values, we are committed to attending to issues of social justice in our staffing, systems, project delivery, coaching, resource building, training, research and our relationships.  We recognise the importance of addressing our ability to reflect on and respond effectively to individual and group differences, and promote respectful discussion of difference and different opinions, including those with which we disagree.  This will include ongoing review of our work programmes and behaviours regarding the impact of trauma, adversity and under-representation, working with diverse populations, and legal frameworks associated with all Equality Act protected characteristics. 

 

3. Statement on Anti-Racism

 

At TICA, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment that is actively anti-racist. We acknowledge the pervasive impact of racism and are dedicated to dismantling the systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequities. Our approach is rooted in understanding, addressing, and healing from trauma, recognizing that racial trauma significantly impacts the well-being and safety of individuals and communities.

 

Education and Awareness: Continuously educate ourselves and our community about the history and current realities of racism. We will provide regular training and resources to ensure that everyone within our organization understands the importance of anti-racism and their role in creating an inclusive environment.

 

Listening and Learning: Actively listen to the experiences of those affected by racism, valuing their voices and perspectives. We will use this feedback to inform our policies, practices, and programs.

 

Accountability: Hold ourselves accountable to our anti-racist values by setting measurable goals, regularly reviewing our progress, and being transparent about our efforts and outcomes. We will also hold individuals accountable for racist behaviours and ensure that there are clear consequences for such actions.

 

Support and Advocacy: Support individuals who experience racism and advocate for systemic changes that promote racial justice. We will provide safe spaces for healing and ensure access to resources and support services for those impacted by racial trauma.

 

 

4. Key Principles

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Belonging:

Belonging is the experience of feeling secure, supported, and accepted within a community or group. It emphasizes the importance of emotional connections that foster both individual and collective identities.

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Diversity:

Diversity involves valuing the broad spectrum of human differences, including identity, culture, background, and experiences. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting these differences to enrich interactions, decision-making, and other key processes. This includes creating spaces where people with similar identities can find support and solidarity. For example, single-sex spaces or groups for people of specific racial or cultural backgrounds may be necessary to address particular needs and provide focused support. While these groups may exclude certain individuals, their existence is essential for addressing historical and systemic inequities and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

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Equity: Equity is about ensuring equal outcomes by addressing and rectifying imbalances that affect historically underserved and marginalized groups. It emphasizes the need to create fair opportunities for all, especially those impacted by systemic inequities.

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Inclusion: Inclusion is the active and meaningful engagement of all individuals in activities and decision-making processes. It ensures that everyone’s voices are heard and valued, fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds can contribute and thrive.

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Justice: Justice involves dismantling barriers that prevent fair and compassionate access to resources, opportunities, and rights. It focuses on correcting systemic inequities and inequalities to enhance individual and collective well-being.

 

4. Practices and Procedures

 

We will:

• Recruitment and Staffing: Implement equitable hiring practices to build a diverse team.

• Training and Development: Provide ongoing EDI training for staff and volunteers to foster an inclusive workplace culture.

• Project Delivery: Design and deliver projects that are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of diverse populations.

• Community Engagement: Engage with diverse communities to understand their needs and incorporate their feedback.

• Resource Building: Develop and share resources that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Research and Evaluation: Conduct research that includes diverse populations and evaluates the impact of our practices on different groups.

• Review and Accountability: Regularly review our work programs and behaviours to ensure they align with our EDI commitments and legal frameworks, including those related to all Equality Act protected characteristics.

 

5. Legal Compliance

We will comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Equality Act, to protect the rights of individuals and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve.

 

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

We will regularly monitor and evaluate our EDI practices to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of our community.

 

7. Contact Information

 

For questions or concerns regarding our EDI policy, please contact us at info@traumainformedcommunityaction.org.