The mission of Prosperity Indiana is to build a better future for our communities by providing advocacy, leveraging resources, and engaging an empowered network of members to create inclusive opportunities that build assets and improve lives. We believe that our mission is most effectively fulfilled through a commitment to inclusiveness as a core value and practice.

Prosperity Indiana believes in a society where all persons can live and work in an environment that provides equitable access to economic and social opportunity. We seek to achieve this vision by impacting individuals, organizations and communities through our work, which is imbued by our values of Empowerment, Integrity, Impact, Collaboration, and Social Justice.

We maintain that building and sustaining diversity requires an ongoing commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms and behaviors. Throughout our work, we support diversity across all lines of difference, including age, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, race, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and transgenderism. We aim to lead by example, viewing and encouraging diversity as a fundamental and abiding strength of the Hoosier state.

Prosperity Indiana recognizes that its effectiveness will be enhanced and its mission well served when the practice of inclusion is reflected in all aspects of the organization and specifically when:

Board Membership

Our Board of Trustees reflects the rich and growing diversity of the state of Indiana.

Programming

We create and implement programs using our awareness of cultural differences and treat all members, partners and stakeholders with respect. We seek input from staff at all levels of the organization and work with a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure that our programs are inclusive.

Policies and Procedures

Our commitment to inclusiveness is evident in our organizational policies and procedures, as part of our strategic plan, and within our organizational goals.

Employment

Our staffing at every level of the organization is reflective of the state of Indiana’s diverse communities. Associated recruitment and hiring practices reflect a commitment to the value of inclusion. We foster a workplace that respects each individual, seeks and values diverse perspectives, and ensures each employee can actively contribute to fulfilling the organization’s mission.

Donors

We share our commitment to inclusion as a core value and practice with current and potential donors and encourage donors to consider and embrace these values.

Prosperity Indiana seeks to be a leader in the field of community economic development in the state and hopes that its demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion represents an organizational standard for the entire sector.