DEI Statement

At Queerlective's Co-Lab, we recognize that continual learning, action, and accountability are crucial to creating a safe, inclusive, equitable, and just space for all. We are committed to dismantling systemic racism and oppression in all its forms through the reimagining, rebuilding, and development of our programs and systems. To ensure this ongoing mission, we have established a standing committee of Board and Staff members dedicated to promoting justice, equitable practices, and continuous learning throughout our organization. We value feedback and invite active participation from our community.

We believe that everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, age, or previous experience, deserves access to education, skills, and resources that can empower them to improve their conditions and communities. We acknowledge the harm inflicted upon BIPOC communities due to systemic racism and are committed to challenging ourselves and our affiliates to consistently do better.

In line with our commitment, we actively engage with the community through various initiatives:
1. Access to Education: We provide scholarships, paid opportunities, and free demonstrations in all arts courses, promoting hands-on training in various skills used by artists and makers. 
2. Events and Site Access: We use our space as a platform to celebrate our values and actively welcome the community to join us for events, fostering partnerships and collaboration.
3. Health Equity Zone Work: Through our partnership with the City of Manchester, we collaborate with community partners and neighbors to improve overall health, stability, well-being, and quality of life in the Manchester are.
4. Meaningful Partnerships & Protection: We prioritize partnerships that align with our values and actively create safe spaces for queer, BIPOC and marginalized communities during events and activities held at Queerlective's Co-Lab.
5. Organizational Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable by engaging in staff, employee, and board professional development programs focused on anti-racism, anti-black racism, and anti-oppression. We actively seek feedback from the communities we serve to improve our practices.

Our commitment to you:
- We actively recruit and support underrepresented communities in the arts.
- We advocate for racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- We maintain a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee composed of diverse voices from our staff and board, partnering with community experts to address inequities and develop strategic solutions.
- We strive to build a diverse Board and Staff, creating space for positive change within our organization and community through the inclusion of diverse backgrounds, voices, histories, identities, and stories.

We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space at Queerlective's Co-Lab and invite you to join us on this journey of growth, learning, and progress.