Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Purpose

Part of the Office of Human Resources, the Division of Organization Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is responsible for implementing the Director of Human Resources’ strategic vision of creating a workplace that nurtures belongingness, promotes inclusion – an environment where staff are encouraged to bring their full-selves to work each day. The division is also responsible for collaborating with the County Administrative Officer, county leadership, and staff at all levels to build organizational capacity to address systemic challenges and respond to changing workforce demographics and position the county for success. 

The division accomplishes these responsibilities through designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating organizational interventions designed to support the county’s strategic goals. Additionally, the division partners with consultants to conduct diversity, equity, and inclusion organizational assessments, provides staff with learning opportunities, develops the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan, and executes again that plan. Finally, the division represents the county externally with community partners as the county seeks to develop strategic partnerships to address community level challenges and engage traditionally overlooked communities. 

Key Responsibilities:

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is responsible for:

• DEI strategic plan objectives within the County of Humboldt
• Design DEI related organizational assessments
• Provide county staff with DEI learning opportunities
• Oversight of county staff DEI committee 
• Oversight of Employee Affinity Groups
• DEI Committee activity oversight
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance
• Community engagement

The County of Humboldt’s DEI Journey:

In July 2020, The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors directed staff to “Explore, prepare, and develop strategies and practices to support a diverse workplace and harness the benefits of diversity and inclusion to achieve organizational excellence.” This direction served as the foundation for all organization-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the county. Since that direction was given, several DEI related activities and initiatives have taken place. They include:

• August 2020, Human Resources develops guiding DEI framework and engages internal constituencies
• August 2021, Inaugural diversity, equity, and inclusion organizational assessment conducted
• October 2021, Assessment results and recommendations reviewed
• December 2021, Great Workplace Culture Change Initiative provides additional DEI recommendations
• July 2022, Shared DEI vocabulary adopted by Board of Supervisors  
  1. Mandatory diversity training introduced
  2. Diversity seal adopted by Board of Supervisors
• September 2022, Affinity Groups introduced

2021-2022 Division Accomplishments:

• Division of Organization Development & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion established
• Heritage Month Celebrations Introduced
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion web presence established
• Diversity strategic plan started
• Monthly DEI learning series (Learning Corners) introduced
• Expanded DEI learning opportunities for departments
• DEI language added to Code of Conduct for Commissions
• Workforce demographics published
• Introduction of DEI questions to structured oral examinations
• Review of policy environment with DEI lens (ongoing)

Workforce Demographics:

Humboldt County Staff Opportunities

Affinity Groups

• Communication
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Management & Leadership
• Staffing & Professional Development

Learning Corners