DASI Diversity Values Statement
Adopted by the DASI Board of Trustees March 12, 2008

DASI affirms its commitment to diversity and cultural competence and believes that diversity enhances our ability to accomplish our mission and informs our growth as an organization. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where every individual is respected, welcomed and appreciated.

We value safety and justice for all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and will continually challenge the systems that harm, mistreat and marginalize them.

We recognize that oppression and the abuse of power foster and condone violence against women and children. We will serve survivors in a manner that celebrates the richness of our differences and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race, age, immigration or citizenship status, sexual orientation, economic status, religion, national origin, disability, health status or intellectual perspective.

Through continuous training on anti-oppression and through prioritizing cultural competency, we foster a respectful work environment that provides support and encouragement, nurtures leadership, and emphasizes the effective use of the talents and abilities of all staff. We strive to maintain an atmosphere of respect and trust in which we feel free to explore and discuss our attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors in relation to others who are similar to and different from ourselves. We recognize that in order to do this, we need to continually examine our personal prejudices, as well as our policies and procedures, and to cultivate positive attitudinal and behavioral change in one another.

Because we believe that every individual is important in a unique way and adds to the overall quality of the organization, we are committed to recruiting and retaining diverse staff, volunteers, and Trustees of the Board, and to fostering an environment that draws strength from, celebrates, and honors diversity.