NGOs are meant to address various social discriminatory patterns existing in our society. Your organization may be implementing a number of projects to reduce exploitation and uphold the rights of the marginalized communities. But what if somebody points out that there is discrimination right inside your organization?
This may be possible because NGOs are so keenly involved in development work that they often sideline the issues existing within their own organization. To counter such problems, it is best to have a policy that addresses such a situation beforehand. Besides, having an “Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement” speaks many things about your NGO. You can also start making recruitments based upon this policy.
So what does the “Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement” signify?
The “Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement” signifies nothing more than what you have been doing with your communities: upholding everyone’s rights and ensuring equality. It places a policy statement for your organization that it practices equality at the workplace and does not discriminate anyone in the organization on the basis of sex, religion, caste, creed or race. Such a policy becomes handy when you are trying to make recruitments.
Here is a sample “Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement”:
“The Organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status with respect to recruitment, hiring, upgrades, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment. This policy complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.
The Organization values people from diverse backgrounds, working to create an open atmosphere of trust, honesty and respect. Harassment or discrimination of any kind – including that involving race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other similarly protected status – is unacceptable. This principle applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, layoff, recall, termination and other terms and conditions of employment.”
