Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Best Friends is committed to continuing the important conversations on how to acknowledge and dismantle the deep-rooted systems in place in animal welfare that prevent our movement from being truly and deeply diverse, equitable or inclusive. We held conversations among our staff and brought in experts in outreach and DEI. The following resources are the result and first steps of this process. We are further committed to sharing what we learn with others, so we can create a kinder world for animals and the people who care for and love them.

We would love to hear from you! What questions do you have about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Submit your question

VIDEOS, WEBINARS, & PODCAST

• Best Friends Network Town Halls
  • Activating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Animal Welfare
  • Leveling the Field: How to Remove Barriers for Underrepresented Communities and their Pets 
  • Moving Beyond Bias with CARE
  • Moving Beyond Bias with CARE 2.0 
• Embracing Diversity in the Animal Welfare Movement - Best Friends' Saving America's Pets Vlog
• Leaning in and Listening - Diversity and Inclusion in Animal Welfare- The Best Friends Podcast

DOWNLOADABLE PDFs, PLAYBOOKS, & SOPs

• Culture Initiatives Playbook

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION

• Blog by Julie Castle
  • Changing the color of our movement 
  • Our progress on making diversity more of a priority
  • Best Friends Culture Councils
    • Advancing the Movement - DE&I Education tool kits, podcasts, workshops, etc to share with shelter partners across the movement
    • DE&I Data - Establish a standard, audit data availability, explore sources for data collection, advise on best practices, integration with other councils for data-related support
    • DE&I Education and Accountability - Establishing DEI expectations, available and required training. Emphasis on kindness, inclusion and giving a voice to staff, and keeping the organization informed of the DE&I efforts 
    • Inclusive External Communications - Making Best Friends' positions clear with donors and in the marketplace, reaching diverse markets and ensuring external communications represent diverse markets, ensuring engagement inclusive of diverse markets
    • Living our Values (LOV) - Advancing culture commitments (Be kind, be generous, stay positive, do the right thing, act with transparency, and have fun) throughout the organization. Integration with other councils for culture-related support
    • People Experience - Attracting and developing more diverse staff and volunteers at all levels; opportunities for advancement and proactive retention efforts, particularly among front line staff. 
• Editorials
  • Best Friends Moves to Incorporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into Our Mission 
  • Best Friends Staff Open Up about Their Experiences with Racism in Animal Welfare 
  • Inclusive External Communications Council Digs into Ways to Reach, Reflect Diverse Audiences
  • People Experience Council Shares First Steps in DEI Work
  • New Report Shows How Social Vulnerability Affects Lifesaving 
  • Rescue Roadblock Pledge Participants Share Their Successes
  • What’s Next: Reducing Racism in Animal Welfare 
• Human & Pet Vulnerability Study
• Roadblock Free is the Way to Be 
• Working to bring diversity, equity and inclusion to animal welfare