“Children and youth deserve a caring community that empowers them to achieve their goals in the classroom and beyond. In order to do so, racism and other inequalities in our educational system and society must be acknowledged and addressed. The Communities In Schools of Washington network exists to build on student strengths and overcome systemic barriers through advocacy, partnerships and individualized social-emotional supports.”
CIS of Washington Network DEI Statement
At CISBF, it is important we represent the students and families we serve. We believe that transformative relationships are the key to unlocking a student’s potential. We will succeed by including in our strategies, ingraining in our culture, and reflecting in our behaviors, principles and practices of diversity, equity and inclusion. As a result, we break down immediate and systemic barriers to create and sustain equitable outcomes.
“A growing body of research shows that diversity in schools and communities can be a powerful lever leading to positive outcomes in school and in life.”
U.S. Department of Education
We are committed to create a workplace that is inclusive of everyone, where every person can be their authentic self, and where authenticity is celebrated as a strength. CISBF is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. CISBF’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is clearly reflected across our agency. Diversity, equity & inclusion is more than a commitment at CISBF—it is the foundation of what we do.
Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, or other ideologies.
Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed to participate while being respected, supported, and valued.
CISBF partners with organizations and businesses interested in surrounding our students with a community of support! CISBF will not partner with any organization that actively discriminates against employees and/or its volunteers based on: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, or other ideologies.
Please review the Downloads section below for local Benton-Franklin fact sheets on youth risk and youth suicide. Feel free to email us at info@cisbf.org to inquire how you can make an impact on the lives of the youth we serve!
Students with Disabilities Information & Resources for Educators, Parents/Guardians, Advocates & Youth
Washington public schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students, including students with a disability. Bullying and harassment based on disability or perceived disability could be a form of discrimination (often called “discriminatory harassment) prohibited under federal and state laws. This could include actions such as name calling, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically, harming someone’s property, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Schools must take steps to protect students and investigate possible discriminatory harassment, as soon as they know or reasonably should know about it, even if a parent or student does not file a formal complaint. Each CISBF office in the schools we serve is a safe place for ALL students. If a student, parent and/or guardian needs support and/or resources but is in a school without CISBF, they may contact the Student Support Coordinator at the school closest to them for information.
OSPI Section 504 & Students with Disabilities
WA State Disability Organizations Resources
LGBTQIA+ Information & Resources for Educators, Parents/Guardians, Advocates & Youth
Gender identity and gender expression are protected classes under Washington state law, which means schools cannot discriminate against students based on their gender identity or gender expression. All students have the right to be treated consistently with their gender identity at school and express their gender at school, including in the areas stated by OSPI. Each CISBF office in the schools we serve is a safe place for ALL students. If a student, parent and/or guardian needs support and/or resources but is in a school without CISBF, they may contact the Student Support Coordinator at the school closest to them for information.