Community Engagement and Inclusion Council
About the Community Engagement and Inclusion Council
The Community Engagement and Inclusion Council (CEIC) is a collaborative effort led by community leaders dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for Saginaw County. The work is guided by its vision with intentions of addressing systemic issues, promoting diversity, ensuring equity, fostering inclusion, building a sense of belonging, and championing justice for all people of Saginaw County.
History
In January 2024, the Community Engagement and Inclusion Council (CEIC), a coalition of leaders from education, business, healthcare, and non-profits, was introduced at the Saginaw Community Foundation. This coalition of leaders from education, business, healthcare, and non-profits aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future for Saginaw County. The movement began in 2021 with the development of a strategic plan focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ). This plan serves as a roadmap for the county’s future. The CEIC is now focusing on concrete actions, including community dialogues, learning opportunities, research, and preparing for Saginaw’s first DEIBJ symposium in January 2025. The steering committee leaders includes:
- Dr. Mamie Thorns, Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Saginaw Valley State University
- Reneé Johnston, President and CEO, Saginaw Community Foundation
- Terry Pruitt, President, Saginaw NAACP chapter
- Brian Jackson, Director of Donor Services & Special Initiatives, Saginaw Community Foundation
- Raquel Ledesma Pérez, Diversity & Community Liaison, Hemlock Semiconductor
- Antoine Martin, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
- Dr. Pamela Ross McClain, Director of DEI and Community Development, Women of Colors
CEIC Vision
Saginaw is an inclusive community where everyone:
> can thrive
> be their authentic self
> has a voice which is valued
> has access to opportunities
> feels a sense of belonging
> advocates for safety, equity and justice
> openly celebrates and embraces differences
CEIC Values, Definitions, Strategic Initiatives and Goals
Diversity
Definition: A community that appreciates and celebrates the unique differences that make us who we are.
Goal #1
Increase Saginaw County’s awareness about it’s diversity (our unique differences).
Goal #2
Celebrate Saginaw County’s diversity.
Equity
Definition: A community that provides equitable access to opportunities and eliminates barriers to participation.
Goal #1
Conduct an assessment to identify barriers and challenges.
Goal #2
Develop a strategic plan to address and mitigate inequities.
Goal #3
Implement action plan and solutions.
Inclusion
Definition: A community in which everyone is invited, is heard and understood, is valued for their authentic self, and feels safe and secure.
Goal #1
Establish a common, consistent, inclusive message promoting Saginaw County.
Goal #2
Coordinate and convene courageous conversations to better understand DEIBJ and how the leadership group has identified it.
Goal #3
Identify what the young people of Saginaw County want and show that their voice matters.
Belonging
Definition: A community where everyone feels connected with people and are accepted for their true selves thus inspiring a sense of empowerment.
Goal #1
Motivate the community to champion belonging.
Goal #2
Empower community members through guided discourse and action.
Goal #3
Develop a long-term plan for increasing belonging.
Justice
Definition: A community that identifies, challenges and eliminates systems and structures that limit fairness and equity.
Goal #1
Identify systems and structures that limit fairness and equity.
Goal #2
Challenge and eliminate systems and structures that limit fairness and equity.
CEIC In the News
Council of Michigan Foundations – 2023 Annual Report
Contact
For media inquiries, further information, or to join a committee, contact CEIC via email.