Social and Environmental Responsibility
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We ensure that as Local organization working with vulnerable populations, we continue to question our unconscious bias, privilege, and power and that, as individuals, we regularly examine our relationship with people who are different from ourselves. Our Diversity Equity Inclusion Policy demonstrates our commitment to inclusion, including how we promote flexibility and positive wellbeing amongst our staff.
As an organization working across refugee and host communities, we actively promote equal participation regardless of gender, nationality, disability status, religion, or social background. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces where every child and young person feels respected, heard, and valued.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our safeguarding and inclusion policies, as well as in our efforts to promote staff wellbeing, flexible working approaches where possible, and supportive team environments.
We encourage staff, volunteers, partners, and community members to speak up about any concerns related to discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment. Similar Ground is committed to addressing such concerns with confidentiality, fairness, and respect, in line with our safeguarding and accountability principles.
Environmental Responsibility
Similar Ground recognizes that climate change and environmental challenges continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly refugees who often face limited access to natural resources and sustainable livelihoods. Environmental stress can contribute to displacement, economic hardship, and conflict over resources.
We are committed to promoting environmentally responsible practices within our operations and community activities. This includes encouraging responsible use of resources, reducing waste during program implementation, and promoting environmental awareness among children and youth through our activities.
Where possible, Similar Ground promotes practical environmental actions such as tree planting initiatives, responsible waste management, and community awareness activities that encourage environmental stewardship.
We expect our staff, volunteers, and partners to demonstrate environmental responsibility and to contribute to building communities that value sustainability and protection of natural resources.
Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing
Similar Ground recognizes that effective community work depends on the wellbeing of the people delivering it. We are committed to promoting a supportive working environment that prioritizes the mental health, safety, and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and youth facilitators.
We promote a culture where team members feel safe to share challenges, seek support, and maintain healthy work boundaries. Through regular team check-ins, peer support, and safeguarding practices, we aim to ensure that staff feel supported in managing the emotional demands of working with vulnerable populations.
Our approach encourages teamwork, open communication, mutual respect, and continuous learning. We also encourage self-care practices and provide supportive supervision where possible to help staff remain motivated and effective in their roles.
We believe that a healthy, respected, and supported team is essential to creating positive impact for the children and communities we serve.