Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Overview

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is made up of members from every department and office in Johnson County. The committee is the driving force behind diversity, equity, and inclusion in Johnson County government. They establish a supportive and welcoming workplace environment in which employees of all backgrounds and demographic characteristics can work together.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee aims to increase DEI learning and development opportunities, improve committee outreach, and continue retaining a diverse workforce, among other goals. The Meeting Minutes below display what the committee has been working on.

Mission

At the heart of Johnson County, Iowa, we stand united in our commitment to fostering a community that celebrates and embraces diversity in all its forms. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive environment where every employee feels a sense of belonging, empowerment and mutual respect.

Our mission encompasses the following core objectives:

Promote Awareness and Understanding: Foster a greater understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the county, promoting awareness of the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of all people.
Advocate for Equity: Advocate for policies and practices that ensure fairness, equity, and justice in all aspects of life, addressing systemic barriers that may disproportionately affect certain communities.
Cultivate Inclusive Spaces: Create and nurture inclusive spaces where people can engage in open dialogue, share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering a sense of belonging for all members of our community.
Educate and Empower: Provide educational resources, training, and initiatives that empower individuals and organizations to proactively contribute to a more inclusive community.
Collaborate and Partner: Forge partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to collectively work towards creating a more diverse and inclusive Johnson County.
Celebrate Diversity: Organize and support events that celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of our people, fostering a sense of pride and unity within our community.
Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously assess our progress, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies to ensure the ongoing success of our mission.

Accomplishments

Non-Discrimination Policy

After a year of deliberating how to spearhead this initiative, the committee created a new Non-Discrimination Policy to be established in the Johnson County Employee Handbook. The new policy aimed to create a healthy work environment and provide an affirmative defense to employees who suffer discrimination in the workplace. The procedure was brought to the Board of Supervisors and officially instated on September 2, 2021.

Spectra Assessment 2021

In 2021, the committee called to action the need for a diversity and inclusion assessment. This assessment was sent to all Johnson County employees in the fall of 2021 with the intent to help understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on both the individual and organizational level. 329 of the 593 colleagues responded with a 55% completion rate. This individual quantitative and qualitative data was collected in an anonymous and confidential manner.

Johnson County Administration was placed in the "Adopt" stage. These results conclude that the organization views diversity and inclusion as key drivers for organizational efficiency, employee engagement and/or opportunities to expand market opportunities. See the assessment results here.