NDEO's Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) Initiative

In Fall 2020, responding to input from members, staff, and board and with guidance and recommendation from then NDEO Advisory Board Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Crystal Davis, ED/CEO Susan McGreevy-Nichols met with equity consultants at Maryland Nonprofits to craft a year-long audit of NDEO programs and organizational structure through the lens of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JDEI). The audit will help provide a roadmap for organizational and programmatic changes over the next few years as NDEO embodies its commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. Click here to read about the consultants NDEO is working with on this project.

"Sharing Our Experiences: Voices from the JDEI Project"

Click here to view an interview compilation lead by NDEO President Kelly Lester with various co-leads from the JDEI Workgroups

Click here to view the JDEI powerpoint from Kelly Lester's presentation at the 2021 Annual Membership Meeting.

Research shows that organizations experience greater engagement, creativity, and innovation when they embrace the work of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Moreover, a thorough evaluation of systems and programs can foster transformational change within the organization. The JDEI review is an important step toward this ongoing endeavor.

What is the JDEI audit?

Maryland Nonprofits will lead NDEO through a process in four stages:

• Discovery and Design ~ Understand and identify areas that need to be strengthened for the organization's growth.
• Planning and Co-Design ~ Conduct and analyze a membership survey and develop a unified vision of the proposed plan of action.
• Implementation ~ Activate member work groups to initiate the organization and program review.
• Action and Accountability ~ Conclude with an action and accountability plan outlining concrete steps to be taken in subsequent years.
• Click here to view an overview of the JDEI audit presented by Maryland Nonprofits.

Below is a summary of actions taken so far and the future expected timeline for the JDEI initiative.