Belonging is the extent to which we feel personally, appreciated, validated, accepted, and treated fairly within a particular environment. It is that indescribable feeling of being 100% welcome. Belonging speaks to being respected at a basic level, but also the right to co-create. Think of how many times “equity” has been equated with “access” and now think of access without belonging.

Dignity is something we are born with. It is the innate and equal worth of all human beings, and an internal state of peace that comes with the recognition and acceptance of the value and vulnerability of all living things. You don’t have to do anything to deserve dignity and we all have a role in taking personal responsibility for ensuring the dignity of ourselves and others is protected. Preserving and honoring dignity is fundamental to the workplace culture we stand for as an organization.

Equity  is the active acknowledgment that everyone has different needs, and in honoring the dignity of all people and assuring their right and ability to participate fully while feeling welcome and safe to do so, we must ensure that everyone has access to the same treatment, opportunities, and advancement, even if that means individuals require individualized support. Equity also requires that we identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of individuals/groups.

Justice is the repairing and restoring of individuals harmed by a dignity violation. It is gratefully owning our behavior – intentional or not – and restoring the dignity to the individual that suffered the harm. Things will be said, actions taken, that intentionally or accidentally, violated the dignity of another. If we stand for the concepts of Belonging and Dignity, then the concept of Justice requires from us the commitment to learning how these violations can be avoided, and when they do happen, righting the wrong.

Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. An inclusive organization promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members.