Equity

Employment stands as the foremost contributor to diminishing recidivism rates, underscoring how joblessness remains a key predictor of reoffending. Throughout the nation, organizations and advocates for justice reform have played a pivotal role in changing public perception and the narratives for justice-involved individuals, leading to what today is designated as Second Chance Month.

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides services and advocates for individuals with disabilities to achieve equitable employment and independent living. We support the DOR in implementing workforce development programs for San Diegans living with disabilities. DOR representatives can be found at five of our six career centers located around San Diego County.

Immigrants play a crucial Role in San Diego’s Economy with more than one-third of San Diego’s essential workers are immigrants, contributing significantly to the well-being of residents and businesses. With more and more immigrants coming to San Diego it is vital that we as a community recognize their economic contributions and create more inclusive pathways for them to achieve equitable education and career opportunities to make San Diego’s economy work for them.  

We spoke with some of our LGBTQ+ staff at the Workforce Partnership about their experiences in the workplace. They recount their experiences and offer advice on how both employers and employees can work together to create an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals.

This guide helps LGBTQIA+ individuals determine an employer’s inclusivity and helps individuals and allies learn how to lead the charge in creating a culture of belonging in the workplace while growing your professional network.  2w

Each April, to support justice-involved individuals, the Department of Justice celebrates Second Chance Month. Second Chance Month recognizes the importance of helping individuals, communities and agencies across the country appreciate their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of millions of people returning from incarceration each year

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) choses a theme to help celebrate Black History Month. This year’s theme, Black Resistance, calls us to “study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Each year the U.S. Department of Labor picks a theme that highlights the important role those with disabilities play in the workplace. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” The theme serves as a reminder that all workers, including workers with disabilities deserve equal access to development opportunities, career advancement and an inclusive workplace. 

In recognition of Pride month here is a list of suggestions that employers can implement to create and sustain an inclusive work environment for their staff and to engage with staff who identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

If we truly want to create an equitable San Diego, we need to expand our public transit system and ensure it is affordable for everyone. For the neighborhoods that have historically been excluded, for the workers with disabilities, for parents, for students and for anyone who wants to get from one place to another.