Introduction
Working together to build an organizational culture that values inclusivity and diversity is key to our work at the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). BWSR’s DEI plan aligns with the State of Minnesota’s vision for inclusion and equity for state agencies (One Minnesota) and the Office of Inclusion’s Long-Range Plan (per Executive Order 21-13). The plan will provide a framework for being intentional and thoughtful as we further integrate DEI into BWSR's work.
Definitions
The definitions used in this Plan have been adopted from the definitions used by the Office of Inclusion.
- Diversity is all the ways that people are different and the same at the individual and group levels. Diversity is expressed in many dimensions, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious beliefs, identity, age, invisible or visible disability status, political perspective, and other dimensions.
- Equity is ensuring everyone has what they need to be successful. It requires commitment to strategic priorities, resources, respect, and consideration, as well as ongoing action and assessment of progress toward achieving goals.
- Inclusion is the intentional, ongoing effort to ensure that diverse individuals fully participate in all aspects of organizational work, including decision making processes.
- Accessibility means everyone along the continuum of human ability and experience has access to the same tools and content.
- Diverse Populations include racial and ethnic communities, including American Indians, LGBTQI communities, disability status, veterans, geographic diversity within and across Minnesota, including Greater Minnesota, urban/metro.
Goals for DEI Implementation at BWSR
Goal 1: Impactful Learning and Professional Development
Strengthen learning and development to build internal DEI capacity
Goal 2: Transparent Accountability
Strengthen transparent accountability across BWSR, leading to open communication and continuous improvement.
Goal 3: Assist Partners in Local Efforts
Assist Local Government Unit (LGU) partners in local diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts.
Goal 4: Equitable Community Engagement & Partnerships
Advancing community engagement through an equitable and inclusive lens by leaning into new or existing partnerships.
Goal 5: Policy Reviews & Equity Assessments
Ensure BWSR plans, programs, policies, and practices provide equitable resources and opportunities in consideration of state diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Goal 6: Inclusive Human Resources (HR) Policies & Practices
Support HR policies and practices that proactively and consistently promote a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
Overview
View the 2026-2031 BWSR DEI Plan (PDF) for more background, details and actions