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Resources for State of Colorado Agencies & Employees

 

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.

Additional Strategic Resources

Additional resources and support are also available for equitable job descriptions, recruitment, hiring guidance, culture assessments, mentorship and career development programs, and more. Please contact the Statewide Equity Office so we can offer a tailored approach to meet your equity needs.

Statewide 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 Statewide 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.

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. 

See what each community of practice is up to on our community engagement page.

#ColoradoForALL Corner: Caribbean American Heritage Month, Pride, Juneteenth, & National Immigrant Heritage Month

This June, we're celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month, Pride, Juneteenth, and National Immigrant Heritage Month!

Pride, originating in the 1970s, honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ rights when patrons resisted a police raid on the Stonewall Inn. At the time, homosexuality was widely criminalized. At this time, all but one state, Illinois, had laws on the books that made acts of homosexuality illegal. Bars and restaurants that publicly served or hired members of the LGBTQ+ community were often shut down because of it. 

Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the 1865 announcement in Galveston, TX, by Union soldiers that enslaved Black people in the South were free and the Civil War had ended.

Caribbean American Heritage Month recognizes the vibrant culture and significant contributions of Caribbean Americans, with many hailing from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, and Tobago.

National Immigrant Heritage Month recognizes the heritage and accomplishments of our immigrant colleagues and neighbors. According to an analysis done by the American Immigration Council using U.S. Census Bureau data, in 2022, immigrants generated roughly $1.6 trillion in economic activity and contributed more than $579 billion in local, state, and federal taxes.

Join front-range Pride or Juneteenth events this June to celebrate love, diversity, and equality! Find volunteer and parade sign-up details on this flier, or simply attend to show your support.