Jackson, Mich., January 15, 2021 - As a united front, Jackson County organizations are taking a stand against discrimination and advocating against the inherent harm and counter productivity of institutionalized racism while fighting for its elimination. Soon after the protests in 2020, a group of leaders came together to form the Jackson Leaders for Equity group to discuss internal and external strategies for advancing equity within our organizations and our community. Since then, the group created a CEO pledge that states:
We are embracing the undeniable, critical and essential need for organizations to ensure that the workplace is not only a safe and welcoming environment for all persons, but are also proactive in bringing to light instances of unconscious bias in employment practices, and providing opportunities for employees to engage in professional development and celebratory practices involving diversity.
The following have already signed onto this pledge: American 1 Credit Union, Commonwealth Associates, Consumers Energy, Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Jackson College, Jackson Community Foundation, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Intermediate School District, Spring Arbor University, and TRUE Community Credit union. This group has agreed, among other things, to build workplace trust, increase knowledge of diversity within the workplace, collaborate with each other to learn and evolve, keep equity at the center of our daily work, and track and share progress.
The well-being of our diverse communities is at stake and the time for action is now. We encourage our fellow leaders in Jackson, Michigan to also take action by signing the CEO pledge, which can be found at www.JacksonCF.org under News. If you would like to join us and sign onto the CEO pledge, a commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging, please email Mindy.BradishOrta@CMSEnergy.com.
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