Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Is Integral to Our Work

A critical part of our reimagining of public service has been an examination of our values and priorities through the lens of inclusivity. How can we, as a Center, be a model for inclusive excellence? How can we ensure that our work is guided by our commitment to diversity and equity? To answer these questions, we began the important work of examining our DEI policies and practices. 

In early 2021, as part of a greater University initiative, the Center completed an Inclusive Excellence Assessment and Plan. The first phase involved conducting a self-study to identify our strengths and opportunities for growth. Based on these findings, we crafted a list of eight preliminary goals for advancing our work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The goals ranged from improving representation of minority groups in important aspects of our work, to conducting an internal survey to assess the climate of the Center, to formalizing our DEI practices and policies. In the next phase, we will prepare a comprehensive report that includes finalized goals and a long-term action plan.

Larry Terry, Executive Director

"The more representative our public service organizations are of the communities we serve, the better we’ll be in identifying the issues of the Commonwealth. Taking on DEI as a primary strategy and focus for the work that we do can only produce more effective and more impactful work that is reflective of all needs and not simply a small group of people."

Kara Fitzgibbon, CSR Director

"The development of the CSR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion working group has helped push CSR forward to proactively address DEI-related themes both within the organization and through its research practices."

Center FOR Survey Research Leads the Way in DEI Efforts

In the summer of 2020, the Center for Survey Research formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion working group. The mission of the group is to research, develop, and sustain research practices that uphold inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the work carried out by CSR in relation to its respondents, clients, and staff. Towards this effort, the working group aims to position CSR in dialogue with national DEI movements and further equip the organization to thoughtfully examine the specific context and needs of the various communities CSR serves. All staff were invited to voluntarily join the group. 

The group meets biweekly and holds internal workshops designed to ensure CSR maintains up-to-date and socially aware practices. The workshops provide historical and sociocultural context in addition to practical considerations and recommendations for implementation within the survey process, from design and data collection to analysis and reporting. The group also plans to implement at least one DEI-related initiative that is outward-facing.