This is why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) is at the core of our mission and vision for Creative Youth Network.
Many people face personal and circumstantial barriers, there are structural and cultural barriers to whole groups of people for whom achieving their potential is harder simply due to their race, gender, disability, faith or sexuality. At Creative Youth Network we will play our part in eliminating these structural barriers and giving everyone an equal chance to live a fulfilling life.
Creative Youth Network needs to grow to truly represent the diverse communities we serve in order to provide the best support for young people. Although we are successful in engaging young people from diverse backgrounds, we have work to do to develop the diversity of our staff teams across the organisation.
People are not only one identity, so intersectionality is important for us - we take into account the multiple overlaying different identities that people have.
We aim to create an environment where we can discuss and debate differences and learn from each other. We will create an environment where discrimination is completely unacceptable and staff, volunteers and young people feel safe to come forward to report instances of discrimination.
We see this work not only benefitting our organisation directly, but also contributing to Bristol and the South West as a whole. We embrace the aims set out in the Bristol Equality Charter:
1. Making Bristol a welcoming city where everyone feels they belong
2. Inspiring trust and confidence in all the city has to offer
3. Recognising, valuing and celebrating diversity
4. Building good relations and understanding between people
5. Promoting inclusion, participation and equal access
6. Challenging discrimination, harassment, bullying, hate crime and victimisation
We welcome your ideas, feedback and challenges.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team at Creative Youth Network plays a key role in leading this work, discussing issues in a safe, inclusive and supportive space. Our members are:
Diversity Consultant and Leadership Coach Kamaljit Poonia talks about the role of Black History Month and how we can go further in tackling bias and discrimination. Read more
We asked young people from the Unity Youth Forum what their views on Black History Month are – whether it’s relevant to them, if they see its impact, and what needs to improve for children to be more aware of Black history. These are their thoughts. Read more
We support young Afghan refugees to make a life here. Many are devastated by what they are seeing happen in their country, to their friends and families. Our thoughts are with them all and we will continue to welcome all those who seek refuge in our city. Read more
This Pride month we're going back to basics: talking about what celebrating Pride means to us, how important it is to young people and how we need to go beyond just rainbow washing and ensure support is in place. Read more
It's Black History Month and plenty of organisations are sharing resources, information and activities to celebrate the achievements of people of colour. We take this chance to reflect on our own progress towards being a just and equitable workplace and providing young people of colour, and staff, the best support possible. Hear the thoughts of three members of ‘The Global Majority’*, Creative Youth Network's staff forum for people of colour. Read more
Following recent events in America, and ongoing everyday injustices in the UK and the world over, Creative Youth Network stands in solidarity with black and minority ethnic people and especially the young people we work with and support. Read more