As you might remember, the Network established a DEI Committee during the summer of 2020 in an effort to support member agencies in their efforts to ensure diversity and equity in hiring, leadership, and client service delivery and to also consider NJHSA service offerings, partnerships and public policy priorities through an equity lens. Under the leadership of Joan Grayson Cohen, Executive Director of JCS Baltimore, who serves as the Committee Chair, this Committee has led the development of several key initiatives, including a partnership with HIAS during 2021 to develop and administer a comprehensive survey to assess the needs of member agencies in this area. The Committee has also supported the establishment of a DEI Affinity Group, under the leadership of Co-Chairs, Sandra Braham, President & CEO of Gulf Coast JFCS and Avi Rose, retired CEO of JFCS East Bay. This large and growing Group has addressed topics including recruitment and retention of staff from a DEI perspective and engaging agency staff and boards in DEI planning efforts. The Committee also supported the piloting of a four week support group for Jews of Color working in Jewish Federations and Network member agencies and guided the offering of many DEI related workshops and webinars throughout the last two years. A summary of the Committee’s activities can be found here. To learn more, or to join these efforts, please connect with Reuben Rotman at NJHSA.