Staff JEDI

Staff Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)

Throughout the year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands focuses on specific JEDI topics that affect the lives of the youth we serve, their families, volunteers, and staff to develop an understanding of the people we work with, giving a voice to the voiceless, and making an impact where we can. Join us in our journey by viewing the information provided about the month's topic below.

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Last Month's Topic:

MASS INCARCERATION

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VIDEO(S)

“Mass Incarceration, Visualized”

"How America's Justice System is Rigged Against the Poor."

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ARTICLE(S)

(click the title to open)

Mass Incarceration and Children’s Outcomes: Criminal Justice Policy is Education Policy
by Leila Morsy and Richard Rothstein

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SUMMARY

The Discussion

To help stop the school-to-prison pipeline, youth need advocates like their Parents/Guardians, Bigs, and BBBS staff to stand by them.
How can young people show up to school or in other organizations and be their best selves if they are faced with harsher punishments or if they have loved one’s incarcerated?
How can we prevent young people from being put into boxes at young ages that follow them through school and life (IEPS, Behavior Issues, Suspensions, etc.)?

What Can We Do?

Be conscientious of how we consume products and where they are coming from. Try your best now to support businesses that contribute to prison systems. (ex: Victoria's Secret).
Support organizations and people working to reform policies for incarcerated citizens.
Require Trauma-Informed care for Bigs as well as BBBS staff.
Continue to make incarcerated loved one’s seen and a part of the enrollment process when necessary.
Study/teach ACE’s to our staff and Bigs, so there is a level of understanding & awareness about the trauma young people face.