Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.

Last updated: January 21, 2024

At Mockingbird Incubator, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, justice, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Guided by our values and principles, we continuously strive to deepen our understanding and actively contribute to dismantling systems of oppression, including white supremacy.

Supporting Our Team

First and foremost, we prioritize the well-being and empowerment of our team members. We encourage and support our employees to engage in personal and collective acts of protest, self-care, and un-learning. To further support their health and well-being, we provide a wellness stipend to all employees monthly. Additionally, we recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all staff, acknowledging the importance of commemorating and honoring Black liberation.

Financial Support and Community Engagement

We understand the power of financial contributions in effecting meaningful change. Mockingbird Incubator actively donates to organizations such as the NAACP, ACLU, and bail funds in Minnesota and Los Angeles. We remain committed to exploring avenues for continued financial support to organizations leading impactful change efforts. Furthermore, we recognize the significance of civic engagement and encourage our community to exercise their right to vote.

Commitment to Diversity and Representation

Mockingbird Incubator is dedicated to increasing diversity and representation within our organization. While our current cohort founders reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, we acknowledge the need for greater representation within our board of directors. We are actively recruiting new board members who will better reflect and serve the founders we support.

Expanding Opportunities and Accessibility

We are committed to expanding opportunities and accessibility for our project leaders, nonprofit founders, and incubator members. This includes developing partnerships, securing new donors, and providing resources to increase grant support. Additionally, we are working to enhance accessibility through online platforms and resources, including free access to tools from our Nonprofit Canon Reading List.

Anti-Racism Training and Continuous Learning

We recognize the importance of ongoing education and dialogue on anti-racism and cultural humility. To this end, we have implemented mandatory anti-racism and cultural humility training for all Mockingbird Incubator staff. This training is integrated into our curriculum, ensuring that our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote equity and inclusion in our work actively.

Commitment to Our Values

Mockingbird Incubator does not provide services to organizations that do not uphold justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work. We exclusively support organizations with progressive values and do not engage with entities that support anti-science causes, conduct religious missionary or conversion work, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, or advocate for pro-policing or voter suppression initiatives.

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention in our Hiring Practices

In accordance with our commitment to equity and inclusion, we maintain a strict policy against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. Our Equal Employment Opportunity policy ensures that all employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, free from bias or discrimination based on any protected characteristic. We are dedicated to fostering a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment based on any individual's protected status.

In all that we do, Mockingbird Incubator remains dedicated to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. We invite our community to join us in this ongoing journey towards meaningful and lasting change.