BRI DEIA Statement
The Blue Ridge Institute (BRI) Board of Directors collectively crafted this Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility statement to drive the organization’s annual planning, programming, and recruitment activities.
The Blue Ridge Institute (BRI) is a family of choice. Our fiercely welcoming annual conference serves as a place to learn, lead, and renew, with opportunities to build connections, make friends, and network with champion colleagues. Quirky “Ridgers” create a safe space for all who attend. We connect throughout the year in various ways with the same intentions as our annual gathering.
As racial inequities and injustices continue, BRI strives to be increasingly intentional with reflective humility to effectively support and engage “Ridgers” and the communities they serve. We reflect the myriad of identities they serve, often rooted in communities of color, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic status, and their intersections that commonly lead to marginalization.
Our organization was founded to create social change. We adamantly condemn injustices and systematic inequities woven into the fabric of our nation. As we move forward as leaders, we are committed to continuing the legacy of community uplift, power sharing, and intentional listening to co-create a brighter kinder world.