Creating an economy that works for everybody

We are intentional in our practices to be an organization inclusive of ethnic, racial, cultural, gender, age, religious, disability, family status, sexual orientation and socio-economic diversity in all areas from membership to hiring.

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are values that People First Economy, as well as programs Local First and Good For Michigan, embrace in order to lead the development of an economy grounded in local ownership that meets the basic needs of all people, builds equitable local wealth and social capital, functions in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages joyful community. It is our belief that such an economy cannot be fully realized if people are excluded from full and fair participation as a result of racism, poverty, discrimination, cultural ignorance, bias or other conditions of exclusion.

These values also guide our commitment to becoming a local leader in advocating for locally owned businesses as a means to eliminate conditions of exclusion and promote ownership, community wealth and economic equity among all people.

Therefore, we are intentional in practices that are inclusive of ethnic, racial, cultural, gender, age, religious, disability, family status, sexual orientation and socio-economic diversity in the areas of hiring, membership, board governance, volunteering, contracting and vending.

Justice, diversity, inclusion and equity values will also guide our communications, events, forums and programs to ensure the authentic presence, participation and perspectives of all communities. In addition, People First Economy and the programs within are committed to continuous improvement in promoting sustainable justice, diversity, inclusion and equity practices through our board recruitment, Equal Opportunity Employment Policy and other future commitments.

Through our strategic planning work, E3 Equity, Environments of Inclusion and Engagement with Diverse Communities Training and other awareness activities, we hold ourselves to the learning and leadership that will make our values become reality.

Lastly, we look to these guiding definitions of justice, diversity, inclusion and equity as inspiration and instruction in our work to make our region and state nationally recognized for its quality of life, diverse entrepreneurial energy, beautiful environment, and unique local culture:

Always Learning: Shared Resources

Here are a few pieces that can help get you started. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

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