Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly visible and valued at NOLS. The NOLS Employee Association applauds the efforts NOLS has undertaken to provide more resources and training to students and staff in this area, including improved systems for reporting inclusion incidents, the creation of Employee Resource Groups, and the increased availability of training opportunities and affinity spaces.

In addition to these efforts, we also recognize that there are areas for significant growth at the school and within the NOLS Employee Association itself. When it comes to DEI, as a school we are all on a learning curve. We embrace efforts that consider this spectrum of experience and that meet employees where they are.

This plank affirms our commitment to these areas and underscores the connection of DEI to our work.

Equity underlies many of the our advocacy efforts, in particular our advocacy for a living wage for all NOLS employees and for an front-line employee-focused voice at the highest levels of decision making at NOLS.

This is because NOLS benefits from employees who represent a diversity of experience and thought. The promise of stable, dignified work makes being a NOLS employee more realistic and sustainable to a wider range of people, one that’s more reflective of society..

Internally, we strive to have a board that represents all NOLS employees in the diversity of their experiences, goals, and needs. Our work in this area is ongoing, and will only serve to make the NOLS Employee Association more effective in our advocacy on behalf of our members.