Deputy Commissioner of Diversity and Development
Erica Parish
The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) is committed to ensuring that all staff, stakeholders, partners, and incarcerated individuals feel welcomed and included. It is the goal of the IDOC to drive cultural change across the agency by increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We celebrate the wide array of races, national origins, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and political views in our communities and facilities. We recognize that diverse perspectives are required to fulfill our department’s mission of returning productive citizens to Hoosier communities.
The Indiana Department of Correction's Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Diversity and Development will work with IDOC leadership, staff, and the incarcerated population to maintain and improve standards of equity and inclusion to build on the existing successes of a workforce that champions diversity, values cultural differences, and recognizes that each staff member plays an important part in creating and maintaining a safe work environment. As an agent of change, the Indiana Department of Correction is committed to championing equity and diversity and has woven these principles into the fabric of all that we do.
- 2023 Strategic Goals
Feat: conduct activities focused on the future
Engagement: conduct activities that engage our internal community
Access: provide access to information and opportunities
Training: provide and participate in training
- What You can Do
- Treat everyone with respect. Simply saying hello to someone will make a big difference and establish a respectful foundation of civility and collegiality.
- Speak up, say something when you witness harassment or discrimination of any kind towards any group whether you are a part of that group or not (this would include off-colored jokes/remarks).
- Reach out to your co-workers who are by themselves or are feeling alienated.
- Recognize your own biases and be the solution to those biases.
- Be an active participant in your facility’s cultural assessment surveys. The information obtained from these surveys will aid the Division of Diversity and Development in developing strategies that will champion equity and diversity within our agency.
- Learn how to file a report inside or outside of your facility/office.
- If you have any questions, reach out to the Division of Diversity and Development and/or your Recruitment and Retention Coordinator.
DIB Representative and Correctional Retention Specialist retreat. March 23, 2023
*To discover more, click on the event in the calendar.
- Host a multicultural movie night. Invite friends, family, or colleagues over to watch some multicultural and foreign films. You can even ask guests to bring a snack to represent a different country or culture to munch on.
- Attend a cultural art exhibit. Many cities are home to international or cultural art exhibits. Visit a nearby museum for a weekend outing and learn more about other cultures through the lens of fine and contemporary art.
- Play music from around the world. Throughout the month, play music from around the world in your office, classroom, car, or home. Celebrate the diversity of your employees, co-workers, or students by asking them to bring in examples of music from their own culture or heritage.
- Support minority-owned businesses. Visit a minority-owned business or utilize services from a minority vendor to show your support for their establishment.
IDOC-Out
For staff interested in being a part of IDOC-Out contact us @ idocout@idoc.in.gov
“IDOC-Out brings together employees who are allies of equality in sexual orientation and gender identity. We promote an open and inclusive culture and safe space that empowers employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work every day.”
- Resources
For more information contact idocout@idoc.in.gov
*Check out https://www.outcarehealth.org/ for your health care services and needs
* For information on Trans Solutions and the services they provide follow the link HERE *Are you a parent looking for support?
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Find out what's happening
IDOC-Out Donates Hand-Made Quilt to IYG
For more information contact:
Kathy Griffin Executive Director of Veteran's Affairs