Christmount's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We recognize that equity, diversity, and inclusion work will never be complete - it is not simply a destination or something we will finish and check off a list in this lifetime. Therefore this statement will stay as a draft to reflect our continued evolution in our diversity, equity, and inclusion work. 

Christmount envisions a day when EVERY student can attend a week of Fern Way or Lakey Gap camp, or school year opportunities. Our goal is to create relationships, advocate, and gather resources to ensure that all students have access to high quality, culturally-conscious programming. 

We recognize that existing systems, including the systems Christmount works within the most—education, philanthropy, and advocacy—are inequitable. These systems have created barriers that have marginalized many members of our communities and kept people from fully participating in these programs. Christmount is committed to examining our role in these systems and working within our sphere of influence to promote more equitable, diverse, and inclusive access to resources, programming, and fully-accessible and welcoming learning spaces.

We acknowledge that educational programming that includes diverse perspectives and voice is a more complete experience for youth. This is especially important when acknowledging the traditional tribal territories on which all programming takes place. In our day-to-day practices, we seek to be good stewards of the land we inhabit and to make decisions that do not cause harm to ecosystems around us, including our human and non-human neighbors. These include mindful practices such as reusing and recycling materials and striving to consume fewer materials in our business activities through shifting our sourcing and our frameworks for purchasing.   

Fern Way Farm School and students thrive in diverse and vibrant communities. Christmount honors all the dimensions of diversity that people experience, including (but not limited to):

• Culture   
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Age
• Ability
• Gender identity
• Gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Beliefs, both religious and otherwise
• Specific needs 
• Socio-economic status
• Familial status
• Culture
• Language preference
• Nationality
• Other characteristics

Christmount recognizes that working toward equity, diversity, and inclusion requires reflection, patience, and persistence. As we review our own programs, policies, and processes, we commit to prioritizing and deepening relationships with partners and vendors who share our commitment to equity, and to review and develop our work with an equity lens. We commit to building internal capacity for this through education, dialogue, and building community across differences. We strive to do this work with curiosity, humility, and empathy, returning to it again and again.

Our code of ethics: 

• Respect for the communities we work with
• Integrity in our actions
• Responsibility for our decisions and corresponding consequences.

We are committed to:

• Acting with honesty, truth, and integrity
• Acknowledging all the dimensions of diversity that people experience
• Recognizing and respecting the differences among individuals
• Actively avoiding conflicts of interest and conflicts of loyalty
• Appropriately, thoughtfully, and carefully handling actual or apparent conflicts of interest
• Treating others with dignity and respect
• Providing employees and volunteers with a work environment that safeguards their rights and welfare
• Acting within the spirit and letter of the law
• Being transparent, responsible, and accountable
• Respecting the privacy of our donors, volunteers, advocates, partners, board, vendors, and staff
• Being truthful in our solicitations and financial management 
• Taking action when issues arise that conflict with our code of ethics and values
• Reducing socio-economic barriers to participation in our work
• Entering conversations in the good faith that we are all working toward the same goal, excellent Fern Way Farm School/Lakey Gap/Christmount experiences for all
• Creating safe and nurturing environments for people to come together to champion outdoor and experiential learning
• Seeking resolution to the mistakes we will inevitably make
• Continued learning to support our evolution in our understanding and appreciation of others and their perspectives. 

We value:

• Equity, access, and inclusion
• Rights and responsibilities of each individual
• Collaboration
• Partnership 
• Listening to learn
• Each person’s contributions
• Transparency

CHRISTMOUNT’S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Christmount does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, faith, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, citizenship, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include (but are not limited to): hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Christmount is an Open & Affirming community; a grace-filled, welcoming, accepting and safe place. We seek to reflect unconditional love and concern for all people, though differing in race, color, gender, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, Veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental and physical disability, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, medical history, or any other human condition. 

Christmount values equality and respect for all by serving as a safe place caring deeply about our LGBTQ friends as well as all other patrons and participants. Christmount is committed to protecting all from discrimination and harassment regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. 

Christmount is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.