Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Boys Town

Commmitment

Diversity has been a foundational part of Who and What Boys Town is since Father Flanagan began providing care for children in need, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Flanagan not only advocated for diversity and human rights, he also made them an inspirational part of our history and tradition.

Boys Town remains committed to fostering an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Read this message from our President and National Executive Director on how to stand with Boys Town and #TeachLove.

Raise Awareness

On a personal level, there is still much work to do! Leaders and employees must learn to really listen to their co-workers, to recognize their own biases, histories, and everyday actions in a new light. We must understand that “speaking up” about race, diversity, and inclusion is our own responsibility – not the job of others. Awakening honesty and action (aha!) are more important than ever.

Support Employees

In our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we are bringing resources that we hope will help employees have honest, reflective, and productive conversations about what actions individuals, coworkers and Boys Town can take. This is by no means a complete list, but it is a starting point for moving these sometimes uncomfortable conversations forward.

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  Leadership Commitment

  Ongoing outreach by our President and Executive Director, Father Steven E. Boes, that builds upon Boys Town’s legacy of inclusion.

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  "Can We Talk?" Series

  Guided discussions led by our Diversity Manager on the difficult topics we are experiencing in our world today regarding racial tension, privilege, and a variety of other issues.

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  Training & Development

  Managers will be trained on diversity interviewing skills and cultural competence in leadership. We offer additional trainings for employees to include Civil Treatment, Unconscious Bias and more.

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  DEI Book Club

  The Boys Town Executive Vice President and General Counsel hosts discussion-led Book Club featuring popular Diversity and Inclusion subjects.

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  Intranet Resources Page

  This page includes resources, book recommendations, articles, videos and more on diversity, equity and inclusion topics.

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  Employee Resource Groups

  Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are an important part of an organization's Diversity and Inclusion strategy. ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organizations they serve.

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  Ongoing Recruitment Outreach Efforts

  The Talent Acquisition team continues to participate in diversity outreach efforts. Additionally, we have diverse hiring panels that include diversity-specific interview questions.

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  Youth Care & Health Care Workgroups

  Both Youth Care and Health Care have Diversity Workgroups that address the individual needs of children, families and patients we serve and retention action plans to retain a vibrant, diverse workforce.

Videos

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  How Boys Town Became a Town

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  The Boys Town Bus

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  Possibility: Tyler's Story

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  "We Were All Brothers": Dan's Story

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a critical piece of our organization’s diversity and inclusion strategy. These groups are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse inclusive workplace aligned with the organizations they serve.

Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI)

AAPI is for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and allies. The goal of the group is to educate and share life journeys and challenges related to Asian and Pacific Island communities in a safe environment where employees can bring their whole selves.

Black Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD)

BOLD brings together Black Employees and allies, in a safe place where employees can bring their whole selves. This group provides opportunities for members to receive professional development programs and opportunities to give back to the community.

Boys Town Emerging Leaders (BTEL)

BTEL helps employees striving to be leaders, to meet and network, receive professional development opportunities related to leadership development, and to give back to the community.

Boys Town Employees Living Intentionally Enlivened Faith (BELIEF)

BELIEF is an inclusive group for employees who would like to pray for the Boys Town mission, our employees, and the patients, youth, and families we serve.

Latinx Organization Understanding Diversity (LOUD)

LOUD provides a safe space for Latinx Employees and allies to discuss issues facing the Latinx community in the workplace, at home and in the community. This group provides professional development opportunities and to give back to the community.

Parents and Caregivers Together (PACT)

PACT brings together employees balancing work with caring for children and/or aging parents. This group provides resources, assists one another in managing work/family and caregiving responsibilities and provides family friendly networking activities.

Prism (LGBTQ+)

Prism brings together LGBTQ+ employees and allies, in a safe place where employees can bring their whole self. This group provides resources such as LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare, mental health and other services. Prism also assists in thinking about how to make the organization more inclusive for patients, youth, families, and employees, while providing professional development opportunities and giving back to the community.

Women's Inclusion Network (WIN)

WIN cultivates an inclusive environment that supports women to advance their skills and leadership potential, while discussing issues facing women in the workplace. This group will provide professional development and networking opportunities discussing issues facing women in the workplace.