We believe that people of any race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith, religion, age, physical and mental ability, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, nationality, cultural background, military status, or any other aspect which makes them unique are welcome and important. It is only through our mosaic of backgrounds, thoughts, and experiences that we can grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child. We will reflect the diversity of our community in our organizational governance, volunteer structure, staffing, funding decisions, and policies. Through this mindfulness we foster an organization that is not only accessible but welcoming. 

At Make–A–Wish Minnesota, we strive to have a diverse donor base that reflects our wish kids and their families. As well as staff and volunteers that reflect and understand kids either through their background and experiences and/or through training. We educate staff on issues of diversity with the goal of greater wish child inclusiveness. 

Our chapter is committed to an equitable, inclusive and diverse environment to ensure we can meet our vision to grant a wish to every eligible child. Since 2017, we have intentionally invested resources to expand education and program evaluation to work toward creating more equitable experiences for wish families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community members. One of our first priorities was grounding ourselves in our understanding of, and a commitment to overcoming centuries of pervasive racism, sexism and cultural and religious biases that have created functional, economic and structural barriers. To aid in this commitment we formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council (DEIBC).

Since its creation, the DEIBC has developed regular educational programming for staff, facilitated trainings with race & equity consultants and identified additional opportunities for growth. Some key responsibilities in FY23 included: 

• Distributing monthly DEIB newsletters and holding monthly discussion groups to start a new conversation within the work place. Topics ranged from intersectionality, learning about Black History and Pride Months to Financial Literacy.
• Expanding membership of DEIBC. 
• Hands-on and intentional three-part series with the YMCA of the North focusing on Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
• Maintaining and expanding DEIB library of educational books for staff and volunteers. 
• Using new perspectives and activities brought forth by staff leads to develop disciplines and bring a variety of viewpoints to the conversation. 

We recognize that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging is ongoing and will continue to evolve over time. If you have questions or suggestions about our practices or initiatives we invite you to contact Carleen Melin: Senior Director of Mission Delivery & Chair of DEIBC.