Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) is not only a lens through which Missoula County views our work; it's part of our core values and guides the work we do. JEDI is ensuring all members of our community are able to access our services and programs and that we intentionally engage with all community members to understand their needs and wants as they pertain to County functions.
The Missoula County Commissioners signed a resolution in 2021 laid out the following commitments:
- Developing strategies for reviewing and revising our policies, procedures, initiatives and public engagement plan to better reflect justice, equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable delivery of Missoula County services.
- Identify and building upon existing JEDI-related systems, goals and strategies within Missoula County.
- Prioritizing efforts to ensure Missoula County intentionally reflects diversity, in the communities it represents by fostering justice, equity, diversity and inclusion on our community councils, numerous boards and commissions, and in our hiring practices.
- Establishing tools to identify JEDI benchmarks and progress, including assessments to measure JEDI knowledge for County leadership, employees, commissions, boards, community councils and the Board of County Commissioners.
- Establishing community engagement tools, including a JEDI Advisory Board and community meetings, to advance efforts, engage and connect community with resources, and align our JEDI efforts with community partners’ efforts.
Advisory Board
The City-County JEDI Advisory Board advises both governments by making recommendations on issues, policies, programs, services, and other opportunities that advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into key aspects of service so that all Missoula City and County residents may equitably access public resources. The advisory board was created by the Missoula County Commissioners by resolution in 2023. Additionally, the Board communicates with local governments to increase awareness of current issues impacting members of the Missoula community. Click here to learn more.
What we're working on:
- Lived Expert Honorarium Policy: Individuals with lived experience are best suited to attest to their realities, and their narratives should be centered in order to understand the impact of programs, policies and services offered by Missoula County. This policy provides an avenue for the county to pay individuals who do not fall under other compensation types for their time and expertise.
- Language Access Services: Missoula County is committed to effective and accurate communication between its personnel and the community we serve. Individuals who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English have Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This language barrier may hinder or even prohibit individuals from access and/or understanding important rights, obligations and services, or from communicating accurately and effectively in difficult situations. Similar barriers may impact deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Hampered communications with community members presents Missoula County with many challenges, therefore ensuring maximum communication ability between county personnel and all segments of the community serves the interest of both. This policy ensures effective, accurate, timely and meaningful access for LEP and deaf and hard of hearing individuals to all Missoula County services and activities. Many county departments have translation and interpretation services available for community members. Soon, all departments will have this service available.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact our Access and Engagement Coordinator using the form below.
What is JEDI?
Adapted from the National Association of Counties’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Key Terms and Definitions, Missoula County uses the following as working definitions for what we mean when referencing JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion):
Justice: The process of society moving from an unfair, unequal, or inequitable state to one that is fair, equal, or equitable. A transformative practice that relies on the entire community to acknowledge past and current harms to evolve societal beliefs and behaviors and, subsequently, the governing laws. Proactive enforcement of policies, practices, and attitudes that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all, regardless of the various identities that one holds.
Equity: The process of identifying and removing the barriers that create disparities in the access to resources and means and the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to thrive.
Diversity: The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities, including, but not limited to, race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability.
Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to participate fully.
While Equal Employment Opportunity is a legal obligation for Missoula County, inclusion goes further by valuing the importance of being part of the group in every way.