Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council

At FCA, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission and that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve Long Island's complex problems, while better serving an increasingly diverse community.

We’ve always infused these values into our internal culture, systems, and practices and we haven't been shy about sharing our commitments publicly. While doing so is a responsibility all trustees, staff and volunteers share, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and the BLM movement, leadership began thinking in an even more focused way about how we advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

In the summer of 2020, FCA hosted two all-staff Zoom meetings to discuss what was taking place across the country and in our communities.  We followed up with a staff survey and subsequent conversations agency-wide, all of which has helped shape our response to the civil unrest and our quest to make FCA even better.

The result is the creation of the FCA DEI Council – a cross-sectional group of staff and trustees – who are tasked with the following mission:

To increase organizational capacity and community impact by embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a foundational pillar throughout FCA’s structure and framework. 

We have some hard work to do, but we also have some exciting initiatives planned. Please check back here often for updates.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, FCA President & CEO

DEI Council Quarterly Newsletter

At the beginning of 2022, FCA's DEI Council made the decision that a quarterly newsletter would be beneficial to keep the FCA Family informed on what the council was working on as well as opportunities to get involved. Check out the first two editions of our DEI Council newsletter below!

Quarter 2, 2022 DEI Council Newsletter

Quarter 1, 2022 DEI Council Newsletter

2021 DEI Council Accomplishments

• Presented DEI Council mission and goals to the agency at FCA's All Staff Outing
• Invested in FCA's growth via DEI Consultation with Dr. Laura Quiros, LMSW
• Gathered and analyzed results (with oversight from Dr. Quiros) of FCA's 2021 DEI Council survey
• Introduced the importance of including gender pronouns in staff email signatures
• Identified and assigned new 2021 DEI Training requirements to staff,  focusing on Unconscious Bias and Being an Ally
• Created the Gender Expansive and Inclusive Language Handout for Pride Month
• Developed awareness emails, sent to the entire agency by FCA leadership, describing the significance of holidays, religious observances, and awareness days that are a priority to our staff 
• Hosted multiple successful Dining with Diversity events:
  • Discussion of "But I'm a Cheerleader" in honor of Pride Month
  • Discussion of "Which Way Home" in honor of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Discussion of privilege led by Dr. Erica O'Neal, Founder & Principal of EEO Consults, which assists organizations in developing more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces
• Provided trainings on a variety of DEI topics, including:
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • LGTBQ+ 101
  • The Do's and Don'ts of Advocacy & Lobbying for Non-Profit Personnel
• Established FCA as an authority in advancing DEI efforts in the community by participating in events such as:
  • Long Island Pride 2021
  • Juneteenth Village of Hempstead Event
  • Black Legacy Partners Presents the First Annual Juneteenth Food Festival
  • Life After Loss A.N.D.R.E (Ability to Navigate Depression, Recovery and Empowerment)
  • SNUG Community Event

2022 DEI Council Goals

• Develop a new video training series (personalized to FCA staff and culture) to increase and improve staff education and training
• Increase internal communication (via DEI newsletters and other exciting new campaigns) to build and sustain an organizational culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Collaborate with other Long Island non-profits to further the conversation and advance DEI efforts to create a community culture which prioritizes equality and advocates for effective policy and widespread societal change

Subcommittees

In an effort to more effectively accomplish the above mentioned goals, three subcommittees have been put in place.

Education & Training Subcommittee

Mission

A commitment to the ongoing pursuit of education and self-awareness around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Education & Training Chair- Kristina Packman, LMFT

Pronouns: She/Her
Call: (516) 746-0350 x 1247
Email: KPackman@FCALI.org

Organizational Culture Subcommittee

Mission

Building and sustaining an organizational culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion through creating a safe space for difficult conversations, identifying areas for improvement, and reviewing, updating and developing policies to further DEI.

Organizational Culture Chair- Thurston O'Neal, LP MFT

Pronouns: He/Him
Call: (516) 486-7200 x 4318
Email: TONeal@FCALI.org

Community Advocacy Subcommittee

Mission

Fostering an inclusive, equitable organizational climate and culture where all members of our staff can thrive. Develop and improve ways to promote and advance multicultural understanding between members of the community.

Community Advocacy Chair- Lys Cortes, MSW

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Call: (516) 486-7690 x 1107
Email: LCortes@FCALI.org

Want to join the DEI Council?

Email the council at DiversityCouncil@fcali.org to get more information about our next meeting!