VEAP embraces diversity and is committed to pursuing a more just, equitable and inclusive society for all people. We respect and value all dimensions of diversity including differences of preference, perspective, race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity and expression, language, marital status, sexual orientation, economic status, religious or non-religious background, ability and all other visible and nonvisible differences.
As a community based nonprofit, we have a responsibility to break down barriers, address historical and current inequities and injustices, as well as proactively engage all people in our community. We strive to create a space where all people are welcome and seek to foster a culture of respect, human dignity, learning, openness, and integrity. Our mission calls us to work together and our vision challenges us to embrace all. All means all at VEAP. We can accomplish more in partnership with others.
When our entire community is reflected in our volunteers, staff and leadership, and we enable all voices to be heard, then our services will be stronger, we will be more effective and we will better advance our vision.
VEAP’s Equity Statement
We recognize that both advantages and barriers exist and that not all people start from the same place. We strive to identify and eliminate the barriers that prevent all people from pursuing their dreams and thriving in our community. We believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity and resources for all people, and seek to be accountable to the most marginalized in our community while serving with compassion, curiosity, and self-reflection.
Learn more about DEI at VEAP:
Gender pronouns: why we use them and what they mean
VEAP’s pursuit of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (an open letter from VEAP’s CEO and DEI team)
VEAP’s working definitions of DEI
Minnesota nonprofits look for new ways to diversify their volunteer ranks (Star Tribune)
Inequity & Injustice: what’s happening in our community?
Student Hunger in the Suburbs
The LGBTQ+ community and inequity
