FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2021
On May 12, 2021, the Governing Board of Peninsula Family Service (PFS) approved a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion anti-racist value statement for the organization. PFS has been working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Board level since February 2019. PFS recognizes the need to be equity-minded, and that making decisions that demonstrate race-consciousness, and an acknowledgement of past exclusionary practices will positively affect PFS, our participants, and our community.
Prioritizing racial equity work is evident in updated PFS policies and procedures, staff and Board DEI committees, budget, and significant staff and Board time dedicated to this topic. As PFS dives deeper into this work and develops the courage and language to discuss racism, our perpetuation of inequities becomes more apparent. With this statement the PFS Board and Staff Leadership are committed to lean into, and not shy away from this work.
DEI anti-racist value statement:
Peninsula Family Service (PFS) is committed to being an actively anti-racist organization working towards equity, opportunity, financial stability, and wellness for all. As part of that commitment, we center our program participants in our decision-making, prioritize racial equity work to ensure our policies and practices address racial bias, and examine where PFS perpetuates racial inequities. We will continue to engage in learning and action to make PFS more inclusive, equitable, and representative of the communities that we serve.
The long-term outcomes will empower PFS to maximize our capacity to meet the needs of participants, staff, and community by:
(1) building a better understanding of where PFS falls within the systems of racism, bias, and privilege and how it impacts participants;
(2) developing a toolset to move to a common language and way to talk about our position on racism; and
(3) ultimately determining how we can help dismantle systemic racism.
In addition, part of the PFS Fiscal Year 2022 strategic planning process will include advancing clear and transparent objectives to measure progress toward racial equity.
Learn more about Peninsula Family Service here: www.peninsulafamilyservice.org, email: info@peninsulafamilyservice.org, or call 650.403.4300.