February is Black History Month and the first of many heritage recognition months that Second Harvest Heartland acknowledges and celebrates each year. We will celebrate women's history next month, Asian American and Pacific Islanders in May, Pride month in June, and Latinx and Native American heritages in the fall. While this is essential to who we want to be as an organization, the director of DEI at Second Harvest Heartland, Sook Jin Ong recently shared, "…it is important we don't limit or only celebrate our [diverse] colleagues, friends and communities during a 'designated month.' It is important we honor and recognize [diverse] voices, perspectives and lives all day, every day, every month, all the time." Hear, hear Sook Jin!
Each member of the volunteer engagement team is committed to welcoming people of all backgrounds who choose to spend their time at Second Harvest Heartland. To ensure we are providing a volunteer program consistent with who we want to be all the time, we focus on several key areas to:
- Hire a diverse volunteer engagement team to lead the way,
- Provide opportunities for the team and volunteers to learn, be curious and ask questions, and practice active allyship,
- Revisit our processes, roles and communication to make them accessible to all,
- Build authentic partnerships with individuals and groups from many diverse communities, including faith, BIPOC, youth and LGBTQ+, and
- Maintain a safe space for both staff and volunteers that allows for a fun and impactful volunteer experience.
At Second Harvest Heartland, our values guide the team, including "We believe our differences make us stronger." When you volunteer with us you are one of the team, too, and we appreciate, respect and celebrate the differences you bring to your volunteering and to us.
