WHAT IS THE NETWORK
We Gather - we come together to share the community resources we have collected
We are a network of individuals and organizations in the Greater Grand Traverse Region that want to do more than just talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
We want to connect with eachother and foster change because we know that a community is only as strong as the bond between its neighbors. As the area grows and develops not just in the size of its population but also in its range of industry and national attraction, the need to support all of us will also grow.
This group aims to develop a transparent Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion resource and action network for Grand Traverse, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie, and Kalkaska counties. Helping to serve as the infrastructure needed for enabling community members to better positively engage with eachother while also lifting organizations to better support their clients and staff.
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WHY WE GATHER
If we are able to gather ourselves and see the current needs, opportunities, and strengths of our community then we will be able to invite action to address those needs. The results will be an environment without barriers that allows support for a Culture of Belonging in the Grand Traverse Region.
NETWORK MEETINGS, FOCUS AREAS, AND IMPLEMENTATION TEAMS
NETWORK MEETINGS
Every month the entire network comes together to share opportunities, challenges, and requests for resources. This is a largely self-directed time to respond to needs the members see in their communities.
There are also scheduled guest speakers brought in to help the network increase its capabilities to do work around DEI.
FOCUS AREAS
At the start of every year, the Network Members come together to identify 4 key subject areas to focus their attention on. This can include culture, accessibility, business development, education, or a whole list of directions.
These 4 Focus Areas become the topics that the Implementation teams will work to address over the course of a year.
IMPLEMENTATION TEAMS
Based on the 4 Focus Areas, members self select what Implementation Team they will spend the year supporting. There is one Team for each area. The Implementation Team will identify a project that can best support that community need - and aim to have the project implemented by the end of the year.
SETTING THE TABLE: OUR CORE VALUES
This network is like a potluck. We bring what we can and we take what we need while gathering around the same table.
And in the same way, our network members bring to the table what resources they have to share freely with eachother. While we collectively work to affirm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our region.
CULTURE OF BELONGING
Balancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to help community members, employees, and organizations feel valued, welcomed, and understood.
DIALOGUE
Honestly exchanging information and building relationships with intent, to understand and collaborate.
ECOSYSTEM OF SHARED RESOURCES
Brining together our community resources for the betterment of all of our community.
SYSTEMS CHANGE
Fostering a Culture of Belonging by looking at where we are now, where we want to be, and how to build a stable path to connect the two.
INTERCONNECTION
All parts of our society are interconnected and the bonds between us are strengthened the more we use them.
GET IN TOUCH
Questions, comments, concerns or suggestions? We love hearing from our community, so feel free to reach out anytime.
231.714.4159