Statement on Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
At YTP, we are committed to working towards a more anti-racist and inclusive organization. We know that mental health affects everyone, and therefore it’s imperative that we provide the most mindful, informed support possible to all of our members and beyond.
We see our mission to smash the stigma around mental health as inextricably linked to dismantling systemic racism — and that starts with our own organization.
In 2020, YTP Youth Ambassadors formed the Diversity & Equity Task force. The D & E task force was formed to explore what we could do as an organization to be more inclusive and reach out to more BIPOC communities not to address our organizations internalized racism. Our goal for 2021 is to expand the D&E Task Force and to offer Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training to all Ambassadors, volunteers and partners. Through education and practice, we will hold ourselves accountable.
Real change comes from within. We know this to be true with mental health, and we are committed to employing this approach when it comes to cultivating a more anti-racist, equitable and inclusive organization. During the 2021-2022 school year, we have been partnering with the Racial Equity & Justice firm to provide our youth and Board with DEI training. As we all continue to Smash Stigma and spread hope this year, we will also be growing, learning and acting as an actively anti-racist organization.