Partnership Opportunities
The Statewide Equity Office is proud to work with our other State of Colorado agencies in support of their goals. Our team can assist with any of the following:
- ADA accommodations
- Community engagement volunteer opportunities
- Community of Practice opportunities
- Employee Resource Group funding
- Equitable leadership development
- Equity audits
- Equity-centered workforce strategies
- Equity-focused strategic planning
- Equity-related programming and events
- Lunch and learn programming
- Leadership coaching
A Strategic Approach to Equity
Integrating equity into our organizational workforce strategies ensures equal access to opportunities for all and fosters a more inclusive and engaging work environment. This approach promotes diversity and fairness and promotes a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Want to collaborate with the Statewide Equity Office? Email us at dpa_StatewideEquityOffice@state.co.us.
Equity Audit
The Statewide Equity Office can provide State of Colorado agencies with an assessment of HR practices from an equity perspective. This comprehensive audit supports and bolsters an organization's strategic equity efforts, provides valuable insights into areas needing improvement, and ensures that policies and procedures are fair and inclusive for all employees.
To request an equity audit from the Statewide Equity Office, please email dpa_StatewideEquityOffice@state.co.us.
Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, practices, and objectives. They provide a supportive environment where members share experiences and offer each other personal and professional support.
ERGs are instrumental in cultivating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and employee engagement. They often focus on specific demographics or interests, such as groups for women, LGBTQ+ employees, ethnically or racially underrepresented employees, veterans, and others.
In support of the positive impact of ERGs on workplace culture, the Statewide Equity Office provides funding for ERGs to host events that promote Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA). Use this form to apply for Employee Resource Group funding.
Book Recommendation: Employee Resource Group Excellence: Grow High Performing ERGs to Enhance Diversity, Equality, Belonging, and Business Impact
In Employee Resource Group Excellence, renowned management and diversity expert Dr. Robert Rodriguez delivers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in corporate America and a step-by-step roadmap to elevating their performance.
Resources
Additional Strategic Resources
The following additional resources and support are also available. Please reach out so we can offer a tailored approach to meet your equity needs.
- Equitable hiring guidance
- Suggestions to write an equitable job description
- Guidelines for equitable recruitment and hiring
- Culture assessments
- Training for equity professionals
- Mentorship and career development programs
- Equity scorecard
- Access to external consultants on equity, diversity, inclusion, and culture
- Equity updates and reports during equity forums and equity exchanges
If you’re interested in collaborating on any of the above, contact the Statewide Equity Office.
Communities of Practice
The Statewide Equity Office is looking for State of Colorado employees and community members who want to provide feedback on the office’s strategies and goals through a Community of Practice.
These groups consist of State of Colorado employees and community members who lend their professional and lived experience perspectives. This ensures that our strategies effectively resonate with the diverse communities they aim to serve. For non-State employees, participation in these groups is compensated, emphasizing the value and importance of their contributions.
The Statewide Equity Office has established four distinct Communities of Practice: Accessibility, External Strategy, Internal Strategy, and Supplier Diversity.
To apply, fill out the Statewide Community of Practice Application. If you have any issues filling out the application, please contact the Statewide Equity Office.
Colorado For ALL Corner
In July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), also known as National Disability Independence Day, on July 26.
Signed just 34 years ago by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the ADA prohibits limiting access to public spaces (including businesses, employment opportunities, transportation, state and local government services, and more) for persons with disabilities.
Interesting Facts:
- People with disabilities represented 13% of the U.S. population (civilian, noninstitutionalized) in 2021 (United States Census Bureau)
- The ADA was modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- The majority of workers with disabilities do not need accommodations to perform their jobs, and for those who do, the cost is usually minimal (U.S. Department of Labor)
Please join us in celebrating the passage of the ADA and supporting our ongoing efforts to ensure that all Coloradans can access the State’s many programs, services, and activities.