The New DEI: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

Adding to the DEI framework is another letter. B stands for “Belonging.” But Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are more than buzzwords. The DEIB framework is meant to improve workplace dynamics, workflow, productivity, and any organization’s overall community. When an organization decides to incorporate these as core values, it sees a shift in culture and success.

Success is more than an increase in quarterly revenue or fundraising. Success is also defined by employee retention and how productive those employees are on the job. With a vast job market out there, employees have plenty of employment options. Keeping this in mind, a business (whether for-profit or non-profit) needs to express its appreciation for each team member. Before an organization can incorporate the DEIB framework into its landscape, there needs to be a common language.

While there are many definitions for the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, below is one recommendation for your organization.

• Diversity focuses on who is in the room and the variety of social and cultural identity groups represented.
• Equity understands how individuals are faced with societal challenges based on their social identity groups at the cultural and industry levels. It focuses on ensuring that all individuals have the same access to opportunities, despite an inequitable world, based on the processes and practices in place.
• Inclusion is a choice to include and welcome others.
• Belonging is rooted in feelings— individuals need to feel leveraged, valued, and celebrated for who they are and what they bring to a given situation.

If you have additional definitions you’d like to share with us, please reach out to our Racial Equity Hub via Vicki Pugh, Vice President for Philanthropy, vpugh@cfpbmc.org, or Abby Axelrod-Wunderman, Director of Charitable Giving, aaxelrod-wunderman@cfpbmc.org.