Jan 16, 2018

Federation Announces Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Federation is proud to announce that the Board of Directors recently passed a Diversity and Inclusion Statement. The 2014 Federation Demographic Study revealed that Miami-Dade County is one of the most diverse Jewish communties in the United States. Therefore, diversity was one of eight critical areas selected to further research and address. This effort was centered on you: our donors and volunteers. Diversity and inclusion is also an integral part of Federation’s Mission. With that in mind, Federation crafted a statement to highlight our concerted effort to identify underrepresented population segments and send a clear signal to those who may not feel connected that they, too, are part of our great Jewish community.

The Statement reads: “The Greater Miami Jewish Federation strives to create a caring, inclusive and united community rooted in Jewish values and traditions. We embrace and value differences, such as ethnicity and national origin, religious denomination and spiritual practice, race, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic levels and mental and physical ability.”

“It is important to recognize that these are not just words on page, but rather a catalyst for conversation and action,” said Regina Zelonker, Chair of Elevate Leadership. From here, Federation will examine its departments, practices and procedures, to determine if its work lives up to the ideals of the statement.