KIB'S JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION CHARTER

As part of our operational values, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has developed the following charter to treat all individuals with integrity, and to hold ourselves accountable.

The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, Dreasjon Reed and many others in the spring of 2020 have brought into sharp focus the obligation we all share to work to end racism and discrimination in all its forms. We believe that Black Lives Matter. 

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has a mission to engage diverse communities, to create vibrant public places, helping people and nature thrive. 

We recognize that in addition to the current civil rights crisis, health crisis, and economic crisis, that pollution and climate change also disproportionately affect communities of color. 

We believe that a beautiful city is one that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, compassionate, caring, and just. 

As part of our operational values, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has developed the following charter to treat all individuals with integrity, and to hold ourselves accountable.

VISION

Our vision is a more just, equitable, and inclusive City of Indianapolis. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful commits to leverage our environmental efforts to create fertile and fruitful ground for educational, creative, and social progress.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful aims to create an inclusive, anti-racist and welcoming work environment where individuals can contribute and be respected in their perspectives, without bias.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful aims to create inclusive, anti-racist and welcoming environments throughout the city, where every resident has access to places to connect to nature.

EXTERNAL GOAL: TO STRENGTHEN OUR TIES WITH DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOODS, COMMUNITIES, VENDORS, AND PARTNERS.

• Engage in open dialogue with civic and social justice organizations and with neighborhood advocates in town hall meetings to identify environmental justice issues in underserved communities. 
• Examine historical data to provide an objective and honest picture of the communities where KIB has invested its resources.
• Allocate future resources where they are most needed and welcomed to create safe and healthy neighborhoods for all, and more equitable access to a healthy environment.
• Review our existing use of minority-owned vendors, and their subcontractors. We will set a goal of matching or exceeding the diversity of the city with our vendors.
• Ensure that all participants feel safe and welcomed at KIB projects and events, and in the neighborhoods where we work. 

INTERNAL GOAL: TO FOSTER A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE, WHERE ALL STAFF FEEL SAFE AND WELCOME. 

• Seek expertise outside our own staff to audit and recalibrate our culture and sensitivity to race, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our daily operations.
• Recommit to staff hiring practices and board nominations that increase diverse representation.
• Ensure that all staff and board members engage in anti-racism training, and commit to ongoing development.

This is not an exhaustive list of actions, but it is a start. We are on a journey to improve to better serve the community.

Read our statement on anti-racism regarding the Atlanta shooting. 

Updated: March 28, 2024