MetroSquash strives to be an inclusive, diverse and equitable community that fosters a culture that ensures our students feel supported and affirmed in their identities, and empowered to realize their potential and become leaders in their communities. We strive to ensure that our team members are supported, valued, connected and empowered to uplift the voices of our young people with a sense of shared purpose and agency. We are committed to strengthening our community and fostering an organizational culture that values and promotes equitable and inclusive policies and practices.

MetroSquash’s commitment to DEI encompasses all of our stakeholders— team members, alumni, board, auxiliary board, mentors, volunteers, partnering schools and organizations, and most importantly our students. This holistic approach is necessary for the sustained, long-term, positive impact that we seek for our students and communities we serve.

The role of the MetroSquash DEI Committee is to intentionally cultivate equity and belonging across all stakeholders in order to build a culture of true inclusion where all are empowered to thrive as their whole, authentic selves. As a committee, we strive to build trust, and be advocates and ambassadors for MetroSquash’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Diversity is where differences are authentically embraced and celebrated. It means respect for and appreciation of all that make us unique individuals. We all bring various perspectives, lived experiences, values, and cultures to our work, and diversity means that we recognize that our strength comes not only from our similarities but from our differences. Diversity encompasses a wide range of factors including race, ethnicity, age, first language, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and more. It is about seeking to understand each other, and embracing and celebrating the rich intersectionality within each individual.

Equity is about acknowledging that not everyone is starting from the same place and recognizing that attempts to correct those disparities and closing those gaps need to be systematic and structural. Equity is ensuring that everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, advancement and education they need to thrive.

Inclusion is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. Inclusion is the work of building an environment and organizational culture where everyone is valued, affirmed, and supported. More than simply diversity and numerical representation, inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and all members of the MetroSquash family experience a true sense of belonging.