Message from the President
Defining moments can become institutional movements causing us to pause and assess our collective responsibilities to each other and to the state courts – to question what we are doing, how we are doing it and what still needs to be done? Over the past year, we have witnessed moments that have become a national movement to eliminate racial injustice.
Since its establishment in 1971, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has been committed to improving the administration of justice in our state courts and courts internationally – courts that are free from racial inequalities. Courts that are fair and impartial to all. As a national organization, NCSC must lead the way by maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, free from racial and ethnic inequalities and discrimination and promoting employment policies based upon procedural fairness. With the inauguration of the NCSC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategy, NCSC is re-committing to achieving and sustaining a workplace based to these cornerstones.
Mary McQueen
President / CEO
Our diversity, equity and inclusion philosophy
By fostering a culture of inclusion and equity within NCSC and establishing goals that support diversity, we demonstrate a model of excellence in leadership and service to our workforce and to the state courts. Within our organization we align our behaviors and competencies with our focus on diverse representation, a culture of inclusion and equitable practices that define who we are and what we do.
Our commitment to action
We embrace diversity and foster an inclusive culture through strategy, education, accountability and engagement.
At the NCSC we have developed a series of strategies to model transformational leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion through an action plan that encompasses three focus areas:
- Promote leadership, commitment and accountability. We promote leadership commitment and accountability through policy, intentional and inclusive communication strategies and behaviors that advance equity, diversity and inclusion goals and objectives.
- Build and maintaining a diverse workforce. We build and sustain a skilled, highly engaged and diverse workforce at all levels, including leadership through equal opportunity and diverse recruitment, selection, advancement and training practices.
- Foster a culture of inclusion.
We foster a culture of inclusion through cultural and educational workplace initiatives, building inclusive practice to decision making and communication and an supporting an employee led committee to inform and influence diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement practices.
About our DE&I committee
The NCSC DE&I committee consists of employee volunteers nominated by their peers to support the DE&I philosophy and Commitment to Action. Service on the DE&I committee provides employees with developmental opportunities to expand their knowledge of DE&I topics, enhance communication skills and gain experience and exposure in a leadership role. This committee is a resource for education, communication and continuous improvement in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
The members serve as a champion for inclusive behaviors, practices and initiatives that ensure diversity, equity and inclusion become imbedded in the culture of the NCSC and is evident in our support of the mission to IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE through LEADERSHIP and SERVICE to the state courts.
The DE&I Committee focuses specifically on the communication of DE&I initiatives within their respective divisions to engage participation and provide education about DE&I topics. The committee assists in planning and carrying out activities and events aimed at increasing staff awareness of DE&I topics. DE&I committee members serve as an advisory for DE&I needs within the organization and are a resource to leaders and staff.