Action Categories

Developing a Diversity and Inclusion Training Program and Policy Statement at WAEPA

Challenge:

Rethink Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) with fresh perspectives and challenge ourselves to heighten our view of D&I. Codify and communicate our D&I policy and practices to support an inclusive community for employees and members.

Actions:

WAEPA took concrete actions to assess, expand, and sustain a culture of Diversity & Inclusion. Partnering with a leading D&I consultant, we took a multi-phased approach that started with learning and discovery. During this phase, focus groups were held to collect input from managers as well as employees. Next, the leadership team conducted working sessions to analyze the focus group findings, discuss D&I trends and areas for improvement, and develop an action plan to achieve desired outcomes. Finally, we implemented organizational changes with an emphasis on the workforce and workplace, offered conscious inclusion training to employees, and developed a D&I policy that reflects our values.

Outcomes:

WAEPA’s mission is to promote the health, welfare, and financial well-being of our members and we are equally committed to the well-being of our employees. Trust and acceptance of differences is the foundation of our culture. As a result of WAEPA’s D&I initiatives and policy, employees have gained a greater understanding bias, organizational practices better support an inclusive work environment, and decision making has been enhanced by recognizing varied perspectives.

Contact:

Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President, Member Services

Here at WAEPA, we have always championed diversity and inclusion in our workplace and with our membership programs. We will continue to honor all our staff and members [civilian federal employees] with compassion, dignity, and respect. We strongly support the work of our members who serve people from all over the country and in all walks of life.

M. Shane Canfield
CEO, WAEPA
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