The pledge promises to prioritize and commit to:

•Leveraging the power and privilege that we each possess to influence local and state policies that lead to racial equity and social justice. 

• Supporting the One Economy Blueprint for Action, its problem-solving goals, strategies and key metrics that help us meaningfully move toward racial equity in DSM. 

• Ensuring diverse representation in our businesses at all levels that is propelled by inviting diverse perspectives to every conversation and every table. 

• Embracing inclusive talent attraction, hiring and career development practices that increase access to and support the advancement of people of color in our workplace. 

• Investing in diversity, equity and inclusion education and training that is rooted in racial equity and recognizes the impact of systemic racism past and present. 

• Promoting supplier diversity initiatives that support minority-owned businesses and leverage the purchasing power of our organizations. 

• Affirming that our efforts will endure and that we will  

The statement had input from The Directors Council through its One Economy Blueprint for Action, as well as Capital Crossroads leadership. CEOs and top-level leaders of companies, organizations and public entities in the greater Des Moines region are encouraged to consider signing onto this commitment to racial equity and to create equitable, inclusive and diverse workplaces and communities.  

“Our region’s leadership has helped us earn national recognition on so many ‘best of’ lists, and this is just one step in creating a more equitable region to help ensure everyone from all backgrounds, races and cultures are experiencing our region’s success,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and a Co-Chair of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan. “We believe in the One Economy Blueprint for Action goals and are committed to prioritizing these efforts by including them in our strategic goals and metrics.”  

This represents one of the DEI efforts of The Partnership and its Inclusion Council, which are partnering with United Way of Central Iowa to host the Inclusion Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the 21-Day Equity Challenge.