Catholic Charities’ Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, recognizes individual differences, and accepts and respects these differences among its clients, staff, volunteers and members of the communities it serves. 

Catholic Charities works to expand and maintain diversity, equity and inclusion in its board membership, leadership positions and across all staff positions.    

Catholic Charities defines diversity, equity and inclusion in the following ways:

Diversity refers to the similarities and differences among individuals accounting for all aspects of their personality and individual identity, including but not limited to: race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, ability, age, culture, military/veteran status, marital status or political perspective. 

Equity refers to fair treatment in access, opportunity and advancement for all individuals.

Inclusion describes the extent to which people feel welcome within an organization or community, regardless of similarities and differences among them.

Accessibility describes the opportunity and space for every person along the continuum of human ability and experience to acquire information, services, and engage in social and professional interactions.

Catholic Charities welcomes all people and works to engender respect within the Catholic Charities organization and the communities that it serves. 

Catholic Charities is committed to equity and the distribution of resources and opportunities across the organization and the communities it serves in a manner that results in equitable access to opportunities regardless of social, physical, or structural inequalities.

Catholic Charities recognizes that diversity, equity and inclusion can only be accomplished through an ongoing, intentional and dedicated effort at all levels of the organization, and remains committed to this effort as it seeks to contribute to building inclusive and equitable communities across the Diocese.

Approved September 2022