Northwoods JEDI - ArtStart

Who We Are

Northwoods JEDI is a group of regional community members interested in supporting a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive culture in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We reflect a group effort formed to create the space for conversation and growth. We will offer resources and support to those interested in learning more about equity, inclusive communities, access and how to engage in actively promoting these values.

Northwoods JEDI started as a collaborative discussion between several groups, including ArtStart, WXPR Public Radio, Let’s Minocqua, League of Women Voters, Nicolet College, Trinity Lutheran Church and the Three Lakes Demmer Library with goals to broaden the conversation as soon as a solid foundation could be established. Subsequently, Northwoods JEDI hired a professional educator and consultant, Victoria McWane-Creek, of Organization 4 Full Participation and Matthew Reynolds Consulting to direct our efforts and create a region-specific curriculum focused on best practices based on research and experience in rural areas.

What does JEDI mean?

Justice

Justice refers to fairness in the way a situation is handled as well as the result.

Equity

Equity considers and seeks to balance different levels of access to resources that stem from systems of oppression and privilege.

Diversity

Diversity refers to population groups historically underrepresented in socially, politically, or economically powerful institutions and organizations.

Inclusive

Inclusive groups thrive via their diversity and welcome and encourage diverse participation and inclusivity.

Mission & Vision

To change the perceived culture of the Northwoods by amplifying the visibility of organizations and individuals in the community to whom justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are important and relevant.
To empower confident community leaders to promote conversations around JEDI in their organizations and networks.
To encourage systemic change in organizational and civic entities that lead to more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive policies and programs.
To provide resources, information and education to interested individuals and groups in order to increase the regional prevalence of JEDI concepts and practices.
To establish a sustainable Community of Practice (CoP) for the examination of, discussion about and promotion of JEDI in the region. We hope that participation in the CoP will build participants’ tolerance and capacity for engaging in equity work despite the challenges that occur when disequilibrium arises, and that participants will develop a shared understanding about how systems we encounter and inhabit were designed to sustain and perpetuate unequal, unjust outcomes.

Join the Northwoods JEDI Community of Practice

The Community of Practice is closed. Please check back for other events and opportunities

Resources

Events

Check back for upcoming events.