DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Inclusion Statement
The Volunteer Ministry Center is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity among its neighbors, volunteers, staff and Board of Directors. VMC seeks to maintain an inclusive and affirming culture that recognizes the value and humanity of each individual person. A diverse and inclusive environment allows VMC to more effectively accomplish its mission of preventing and ending homelessness.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Volunteer Ministry Center complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., P.L. 88-352) and any directives or regulations issued pursuant to that Act and the Regulations, to the effect that, no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subject to discrimination under any program or activity of VMC.
VMC is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pledge to Action
Since its founding, the Volunteer Ministry Center has opened its doors to all people. VMC acknowledges that diversity and inclusion of all races is important to fulfilling the VMC mission of ending and preventing homelessness. Today VMC recognizes the need to do more, starting with the Black community.
VMC will raise awareness and discuss issues of race and the impact it has on our community, neighbors, organization and its systems. In support of this, we seek to:
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Provide VMC staff, Board members, volunteers and neighbors with enhanced training and educational opportunities to provide a deeper understanding of race, racism, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
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Enhance our present recruitment process for Board membership, working toward a more diverse board that includes representation reflecting the population in our Knoxville/Knox County area.
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Enhance our present recruitment and hiring processes for staff members to reflect a representation of the diversity of those served by VMC.