DEIB & Accessibility Statements

The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates the diversity of our community. We believe in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and strive to create an atmosphere where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.
 
Diversity: We acknowledge and appreciate the rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that our members, staff, and volunteers bring to our community. We are committed to promoting diversity by embracing individuals of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
 
Equity: We are dedicated to ensuring fairness and justice for all members of our community. We recognize that historical and systemic barriers may have created unequal opportunities and outcomes for certain individuals or groups. Therefore, we are committed to actively identifying and addressing these disparities, working towards creating a level playing field for everyone.
 
Inclusion: We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and heard. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging by actively seeking and amplifying diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas. We aim to create spaces and programs that are accessible, accommodating, and respectful to all individuals, regardless of their differences.
 
Belonging: We believe that everyone has the right to feel a sense of belonging within our community. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals can authentically be themselves, free from discrimination, harassment, or prejudice. We will work diligently to build connections, foster understanding, and promote a sense of shared purpose among all members of our community.
 
At the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, Inc. we recognize that embracing DEIB principles is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action which is embedded in our Jewish values. We are dedicated to regularly evaluating our policies, practices, and programs to ensure they align with our commitment to DEIB. We will actively seek feedback from our community and implement strategies to address any areas where improvement is needed.
 
By embracing diversity, promoting equity, fostering inclusion, and nurturing a sense of belonging, we strive to create a stronger, more vibrant, and unified Jewish community center that reflects the richness and uniqueness of Staten Island. Together, we can build a community where every individual feels valued, respected, and truly belongs.