Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
The Boulder JCC created a formal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI) in February 2019. The DEI Committee is composed of staff members from across all areas of the organization (representing approximately 15% of our staff) and Board Members and meets weekly.
As a central place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to connect, exchange ideas, learn, and grow together in Boulder County, the Boulder JCC and the DEI Committee celebrate diversity and strive to make a space that is more inclusive and less oppressive to all of people’s many identities. We aspire to create a culture where every staff member, board member, and community member feels empowered to call out racism and all forms of oppression against marginalized groups. We are constantly assessing our organization's operations, policies, and procedures while also examining specific steps and training that is required to move our organization in the right direction. We recognize that our organizational and personal journey to anti-oppression will never end. To further our work, we offer regular learning and discussion opportunities for the staff, the board, and the community.
Statements from the Boulder JCC
- Welcoming Statement on the Boulder JCC's entrances - English | Español
- Statement on the crisis in the Middle East and rising anti-Semitism
- Statement in Support of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Community
- Statement in Support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Community
Statement on the crisis in the Middle East and rising anti-Semitism
Monday, May 24, 2021
Dear Friends of the Boulder JCC,
Statement in Support of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Community
Monday, March 22, 2021
Dear Friends of the Boulder JCC,
We are heartbroken by the mass shooting that took the lives of eight people, including six Asian women, in Georgia last week. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of these victims and the entire Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community.
Over the last year, the AAPI community has been scapegoated and has seen a frightening rise in anti-Asian discrimination, racism, and violence. This follows a longer history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the United States. As an organization rooted in Jewish history and tradition, we know the effects of scapegoating and racist rhetoric and violence.
We ask our community to stand in solidarity with the AAPI community. Racism and all forms of hate are not tolerated at the Boulder JCC. Our words matter. Our actions matter. If you See Something, Say Something.
Learn more and get involved:
Jonathan Lev
Executive Director
Boulder JCC
Lee Strongwater
Board President
Boulder JCC
Statement in Support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Community
Friday, June 5, 2020
Dear Friends of the Boulder JCC,
We, like many in our communities, share in the heartbreak and anger over the murder of George Floyd, the spate of racist events and treatment of protesters across the country, and the systemic racism that continues to exist in the United States.
Jewish tradition compels us to seek ways to heal the world, call out injustices, and pursue justice. It is up to each of us to make our voices heard, but more importantly, to listen, to learn, and to use our voices to amplify the voices of others.
We stand in solidarity with the Black community, with Jews of Color, with protesters, and with those taking a stand for change. The power of peaceful demonstration has been evident in the last week and throughout history.
At a time when many of us are focused on the challenges of Coronavirus, we cannot be deterred in ensuring people are valued and treated with respect and dignity.
The Boulder JCC remains committed to discussing issues affecting our community and providing space for dialogue, understanding, and learning. We are exploring opportunities for sustained, meaningful, and continued learning about racism, allyship, and how to become better people. This work cannot be done overnight. Our commitment must be long-term to work towards the world we envision.
In strength,
Jonathan Lev
Executive Director
Boulder JCC
Lee Strongwater
Board President
Boulder JCC
“If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point in our nation’s long journey to live up to our highest ideals.” - Barack Obama, How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change
- Resources for Children, Teens, and Families
- Her Flowers: An Anti-Racist Workshop Series for Teenage Girls (June 26 & July 1)
- PJ Library: Resources for Talking with Kids About Racism
- A Kids Book About Racism
- Where to Find Diverse Children's Books
- Anti-Racist Children's Books
- Talking About Race from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Talking to Students about George Floyd and Racism
- Second Step Social-Emotional Learning
- Through December 31, 2020, families can access all the streaming media and downloadable content
- Create an account and add the program activation key for the grade level of your student
- Early Learning: SSPE FAMI LY68
Kindergarten: SSPK FAMI LY70
Grade 1: SSP1 FAMI LY71
Grade 2: SSP2 FAMI LY72
Grade 3: SSP3 FAMI LY73
Grade 4: SSP4 FAMI LY74
Grade 5: SSP5 FAMI LY75
- Early Learning: SSPE FAMI LY68
- 5 Children's Books about Juneteenth
- Resources for Adults
- How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change
- Books to Read about Anti-Racism
- Diversity Coaching and Consulting with April N. Baskin
- Solidarity Guide from GatherDC
- Racial Equity Tools
- Black Jewish Voices on their experiences and identities
- Learn about the Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience (June 19-20)
- Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat (June 19)
- Black-Owned Businesses in Boulder County