Summit Community Gardens and Eat Awesome Things (SCG-EATS) acknowledges that the land on which we gather and garden is the ancestral homeland of the Ute people and that land throughout Utah is the ancestral homeland of the Ute, Shoshone, Paiute, and Goshute tribes. We recognize all indigenous people as the original stewards of this land and acknowledge that many practices used today in gardening originated from these people.

At SCG-EATS, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. SCG-EATS is dedicated to providing a place to gather, learn, and grow at high altitudes. We believe that cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is essential to creating a thriving and harmonious environment: in our school and garden-based education programs, at our events, and in our garden. This DEIB statement reflects our affirmation of these principles, outlining our approach to building spaces where every individual feels valued, respected, and included.

1. Commitment to DEIB:

  • We recognize the inherent value that diverse perspectives and backgrounds bring to our collective experience.

  • Diversity at SCG-EATS encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and more. Equity refers to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities, while inclusion ensures that every member feels a sense of belonging and is welcomed.

  • We value equitable practices and intentional inclusion.

2. Acknowledgment of Inequities:

  • We acknowledge the historical and systemic inequities that have affected marginalized groups. We seek to dismantle these barriers and promote cultural equity.

  • We understand the importance of rectifying past injustices and creating an environment that promotes equity and inclusion for all.

  • We acknowledge the work of all the people who have done this work before us.

3. Equal Opportunity and Fair Treatment:

  • At SCG-EATS, we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and fair treatment for all staff, stakeholders and the SCG-EATS community. 

  • Our policies and practices are designed to create a level playing field, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. 

4. Accountability:

  • We hold ourselves accountable for progress in our DEIB efforts.

  • We will develop regular assessments, integrate DEIB goals into annual goal-setting for Board and staff, and maintain a confidential complaint process for use by community members, staff and board members to communicate concerns.

  • This is a living document. We welcome suggestions any time of year; the Governance committee will revisit on an annual basis and invite comments from the Board and staff. 

  • We seek to continually improve and ensure that our actions align with our commitment. 

5. Representation of Underrepresented Groups:

  • We are committed to involving underrepresented groups within our community. 

  • We will develop strategies to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive Board and staff.

  • We will strengthen initiatives that foster the participation, growth and success of underrepresented groups in our education programs, events, and membership in the garden. 

6. Non-Discrimination Policy:

  • We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

  • SCG - EATS is committed to maintaining an environment free from such harassment or discrimination. Board, staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding this policy within our SCG - EATS community and committing to the values of respect and inclusion embraced by SCG-EATS.

  • We encourage the Board, staff, volunteers, and SCG - EATS community to utilize the organization’s complaint procedures when warranted. Specifically, complaints can be raised to the Executive Director, Board President and/or Chair of the Governance Committee.

7. Accessibility and Accommodation:

  • We acknowledge the historical and societal inequities faced by individuals with disabilities in garden spaces. We are aware that the SCG-EATS garden is not accessible to all people. We hope to change that in the future.

  • We are committed to creating an environment that promotes equal opportunities and removes barriers to participation in our community.

  • We will create a process to promptly address accommodation requests to ensure inclusive spaces and an accessible workplace.

8. Community Engagement:

  • SCG-EATS actively engages with the broader community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to the organization’s overall vision. 

  • We will collaborate with local organizations, participate in community events, and seek partnerships that contribute to the well-being of our diverse community.

9. Regular Review and Revision:

  • The principles of DEIB are a vital part of  SCG-EATS. The organization is committed to maintaining our DEIB commitment as a dynamic process and recognizes that this is a living document. We are committed to adapting our approaches and our DEIB statement to meet the evolving needs of our community.

At SCG-EATS, we believe that by embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering inclusion and belonging, we cultivate a stronger, more interconnected community. Together, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter and more inclusive future in which to gather, learn and grow.