Prism GR Mission Statement
The mission of the Prism GR Employee Resource Group is to promote an inclusive community for employees with minority gender, sexual, and romantic identities, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, polyamorous, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA+) staff members.
Prism GR will:
- Serve as a visible, accessible resource for LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies
- Promote educational and training opportunities for employees to create awareness and respect for LGBTQIA+ employees and community members
- Advance equality in employee benefits such as healthcare benefits for transgender employees and same-sex parents
- Advocate for accessible buildings and facilities that respond to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ employees and community members
- Represent LGBTQIA+ employees to various City Boards & Authorities
- Support the City of Grand Rapids' efforts to diversify staff and work to recruit and retain LGBTQIA+ employees
- Provide LGBTQIA+ focused networking and social opportunities for City of Grand Rapids employees
Prism GR recognizes that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression work through and are influenced by race/ethnicity, gender, culture, age, ability status, class, faith, and other social characteristics. Prism GR will take an intersectional approach, understanding that fighting one form of oppression means fighting all forms of oppression and that equality and respect for LGBTQIA+ people cannot be achieved without equality and respect for all people. The Prism GR Employee Resource Group is open to all City of Grand Rapids staff.