Diversity and inclusiveness is defined as the acceptance, tolerance, honoring and valuing of differences in culture, lifestyles, heritage, and knowledge. This includes all the similarities and differences that make us diverse internally, externally, or situationally and may include, but not be limited to: age, appearance, communication style, economic status, educational background, employer, gender identification, sexual orientation, geographic location, job type/title, language, race/ethnicity, learning style, management status, marital status, mental abilities, nationality, parental status, physical abilities, political affiliation, religion, seniority/tenure, sex/gender, veteran status, work experience, or work location.

Girls Inc. of Long Island recognizes that it is essential for the organization to include the values of diversity and inclusiveness as part of our strategy to achieve our vision and mission. Our commitment to these values will be demonstrated through training of all our people, cultivation of these principles, and on-going periodic review of our progress in the following:

• Thought, decisions, strategies, and resources.
• Our people (which includes management, staff, volunteers, and funders) in a way that is reflective of the girls and communities that we serve.
• The delivery of our programs and other services.

It is only through the sustained and ongoing commitment and effort to this value that we can bring unique, creative, and vital people with varying differences and views to the organization.