The Work
In terms of the work, the guiding objective is clear: deepen our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and ensure it is reflected in our policies, programs, and practices and in the life and culture of the MPA community.
Through our three named priorities, Building Capacity, Culture of Belonging, and Radical Accountability, we have goals in place and strategies to help us achieve them as benchmarks of the work. By sustaining and advancing the commitment to the work, we aim to identify and establish what is needed to propel our DEIB commitment forward at MPA, center the MPA experience to be one that embraces individual and collective authenticity, and establish mechanisms that ensure we take ownership of our commitments and actions related to DEIB.
Students
| Affinity Groups & Student Clubs/Groups |
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Student Affinity Groups are safe, voluntary spaces for students who share a common identity to uplift the student experience in ways that affirm identity while creating a means for students to take action to bring forth issues and challenges that may threaten their sense of belonging and success at MPA. Student clubs and groups at MPA are student-initiated and student-led. Any student with a passion for a topic who wants to start a club is welcome to do so. All that is required is a conversation with MPA leadership and a faculty/staff advisor. Current offerings include:
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Faculty & Staff
| Professional Development |
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MPA is committed to providing employees with various opportunities to support their professional and personal growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Examples of past topics include:
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| DEIB Staffulty Advisory Council |
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The committee's goal is to advance MPA’s commitment to being an antiracist community, so all members are seen, valued, and respected by supporting the implementation of key diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies. |
Community & Leadership
| Equity & Belonging Committee |
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A standing committee within MPA’s Board of Trustees ensures that the board has in place policies and procedures that promote the principles of equity and justice across the entire institution, in keeping with our mission and values. The committee provides support and counsel to the director of equity and belonging and ensures alignment with MPA’s strategic plan. |
| Parent Affinity Groups |
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Affinity Groups help foster a sense of belonging by providing a space for parents and caregivers whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented or marginalized to connect through shared experience and shared identity. Marginalized communities are those that include people who have been historically denied full participation in dominant and/or mainstream cultural activities and discourse. Our goal with parent affinity groups is to offer group members affirmation, support, and a vehicle for advocacy. Current affinity groups include:
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