DEI

Simpson Housing Services is committed to becoming an anti-racist, multi-cultural organization. We work to dismantle racism and saviorism internally and externally. We walk out this commitment through our mission, core principles, transformational approach, anti-racism framework, trainings, staff-led groups, and equitable policies and practices.

Staff Learning Opportunities

We know that alignment is key to root out racism and saviorism within our agency. As we work to become an anti-racist organization, we have partnered with the Sankofa Leadership Network (SLN) to provide several sessions that center on DEI concepts such as equity leadership, unconscious bias, and microaggressions. Topics we have explored together include:

• The purpose and intent of equity efforts in community and institutions.
• Opportunities to advance personal and institutional change.
• The Sankofa Equity Leadership Continuum™, which provides a valuable lens for strengthening self-awareness, intentional practice, and continual improvement.
•  Interrupting implicit bias, the science of automatic decision-making, and the impact of implicit bias in the workplace.

In addition, Sam Simmons has facilitated several training sessions to help us understand the ways that historical and intergenerational trauma affect the African American community. Topics include:

• What experiences of trauma mean for the practical, day-to-day work Simpson does.
• How that trauma contributes to barriers to housing stability.
• How to use a compassionate accountability framework for partnering with participants as they tackle goals related to housing and overall stability.

Summer Movie Series

Every year, staff have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Movie Series, a thoughtful initiative aimed at fostering discussion and understanding on important and challenging topics around race, national origin, ancestry and class. This series is an opportunity for Simpson to engage in meaningful conversations and reflect on critical issues affecting our world. The films have been carefully selected to spark conversation and provide a deeper understanding of the complex issues they address.

Community Learning Opportunities

Simpson also offers virtual and in-person educational sessions that are open to the wider Simpson community, including staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters. These workshops provide topics vital to Simpson’s work with the community.