Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Ah Haa’s Promise
Ah Haa School for the Arts and the American Academy of Bookbinding are driven by curiosity and the transformative power of imagination. Through art we learn how to be more consciously connected to our world and more deeply compassionate as we build caring communities. We welcome both seekers and those who need to be found. We celebrate the deep and resonating value of diversity that allows people of all experiences and backgrounds to discover, create, share, and thrive.
We are committed to sustain a learning environment that values each person’s unique identity, history, and experiences. Through equitable partnerships we strive to be present and participatory with diverse communities that inform who we are and challenge us to become more fully human. We resolve to create access, opportunity, and meaningful change that nurtures belonging. We will educate ourselves and our community as well as align our programming and organizational practices to provide equal opportunities for all without regard to race, gender or other protected characteristic.
Because we live, we create. Because we create, we live more fully.
Native Land Acknowledgement
Ah Haa School for the Arts and the American Academy of Bookbinding honors the land in which we now create.
We pay our respects to those who came before us and particularly acknowledge that we stand on the traditional land of the núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (ute) peoples past and present who have stewarded it for countless generations. Out of respect, we will learn the history of this land and we will be mindful stewards of our environment for our children and descendants.
BELONGING
We celebrate the deep and resonating value of diversity that allows people of all experiences and backgrounds to discover, create, share, and thrive. We are committed to sustain a learning environment that values each person’s unique identity, history, and experiences.
Through equitable partnerships we strive to be present and participatory with communities of all kinds that inform who we are and challenge us to become more fully human. We resolve to create access, opportunity, and meaningful change that nurtures belonging for all without regard to race, gender or other protected characteristic.
Commitments and Action
- Recognize our own biases and actively seek voices from all backgrounds and be open to all and exclude no
one. - We will support our community through expanded programming and educational experiences open to all
- We will proactively program artists and instructors who bring a variety of perspectives reflecting their cultural and artistic backgrounds.
- We will proactively seek to partner with all sectors of our community and develop equitable partnerships with organizations in all the communities we serve.
- Collaborate with organizations committed to belonging for all
- Institute English / Spanish Language building signage
- Institute English / Spanish Language website
- Provide visibility and opportunity to artists in an equitable and inclusive curatorial process, and work against biases and limitations while centering and celebrating unique perspectives.
- We will continue to recruit staff, volunteers and board members that reflect the breadth of our community.
- Provide access and opportunity to anyone regardless of financial ability.
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