Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Counsel

CPRS Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 

JEDI Virtual Roundtables

Join the JEDI Counsel and fellow park & recreation professionals for our free quarterly virtual roundtable discussions. 

Each quarter we take up a new topic, Counsel members help guide the discussion, attendees learn from others, share their own experiences, and have space to ask difficult questions.  These virtual roundtable events offer a 'brave space' for open dialogue and learning about what can be challenging topics.  The roundtables will not be recorded so participants may feel more welcome to have authentic and productive discussions.  All are welcome to attend, CPRS membership is not required.  

Click on the upcoming roundtables below to register!

If you'd like to suggest a topic for future roundtables, please contact JEDI Counsel Co-Chair, Lauren Oakley.  

CPRS JEDI

About us

In 2022, we took the monumental step of forming the CPRS Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) counsel, a permanent standing committee approved by the CPRS Board of Directors. The Counsel evolved from the work and value of the JEDI Task Force - a group of individuals who were committed to the advancement of JEDI work within CPRS. It was not created to act as an advisory board, enacting rules and regulations, but rather to assist, build and connect our collective stories.

Our Counsel is made up of 18  counselors representing various locations, job focuses, backgrounds and more. Each Counsel brings with them a unique talent and commitment to advancing this important work.

The CPRS JEDI Counsel is looking forward to engaging and publishing its work, and we hope to see you join us in this journey. If you encounter any questions that our counsels can assist with, please be sure to engage and ask especially through the online community. 

Feel free to reach out to the co-chairs directly with your questions:

  • Tiarra Warner - Co-Chair
    Community Services Manager at the City of Rohnert Park

  • Lauren Oakley - Co-Chair
    Director of Professional Development at the California Park & Recreation Society

As of March 2024, JEDI Counsel members include: 

  • Marianne Aranda, City of Ukiah
  • Pamela Bianchi, County of Santa Clara
  • Dustyn Bindel, City of Sunnyvale
  • Dominic Broadhead, Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation
  • Adam Chow, City of San Ramon
  • Tara Gee, City of Roseville
  • Doug Grove, RHA Landscape Architects - Planners, Inc.
  • Becky Herz, Orangevale Recreation & Park District 
  • Leah Martinez, Town of Danville
  • Sara Nahass Lopez, City of Brisbane
  • Teresa Ramirez, City of El Monte
  • Victoria Reyna, City of Lancaster
  • Ashley Sylvester, City of St. Helena
  • Brandon Taylor, California State University Fresno
  • Heather Vilhauer

Definitions

Justice

Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals & communities can live a full & dignified life. These barriers are essentially the "isms" in society: racism, sexism, classism etc.

Equity

Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers - the "isms"- exist. Equity is the approach & equality is the outcome. 

Diversity

The differences between us based on which we experience systemic advantages or encounter systemic barriers to opportunities.

Inclusion

Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, & amplifying the voices, perspectives & styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.

General Resources

Links