Value Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(Adopted November 2021)

Chesapeake Crossroads follows the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, a related organization, in making a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work, policies, and practices. Heritage Areas work collectively to protect and promote diverse people and places that tell Maryland’s (and America’s) stories equitably and inclusively.

• We define diversity as meaningful representation of different individuals and groups in cultural heritage development, including but not limited to race, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, ethnicity, geography, and perspective.
• We define equity as policies and practices that help communities gain access to opportunity, networks, and resources toward reaching their full cultural heritage development potential.
• We define inclusion as authentic engagement of diverse groups in cultural heritage development, providing all community members with a genuine sense of belonging.