Jamyang Buddhist Centre London is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community through its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) efforts. Our EDI strategy focuses on creating an open and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their background or beliefs. We strive to create an environment where diversity is not only respected but celebrated.
To support this commitment, we offer scholarships to ensure that economic status does not prevent people from participating in our programs. These scholarships are available to help cover the costs of courses, retreats, and other events. Our aim is to make sure that everyone can access our teachings regardless of their financial situation.
Additionally, we’ve established affinity groups to create spaces for people who might feel marginalised due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability, etcetera. These small groups provide an opportunity for people to find support and connection in community with others who share their identity.
We also offer team training on EDI issues and work to create opportunities for staff, volunteers, and members of our community to engage in conversations and develop their skills in this area.
Through these efforts, we hope to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community will enrich our practice and contribute to a better world. We invite everyone to join us on this journey towards greater equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
What we are doing
- Cultivating and maintaining a safe, harmonious environment by fostering a culture of respect and inclusion for all.
- Implementing an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy that outlines our commitments and long-term strategy for creating an inclusive spiritual community at Jamyang London Buddhist Centre.
- Expanding outreach and support the growth of under-represented members of our community, by offering Inclusivity Ambassador scholarships and student sponsorship throughout our long-term study courses and programmes.
- Celebrating, uplifting and amplifying the voices of under-represented and marginalised members of our community such as Youth, Women, People from the LGBTQIA Community, People who are Black and Global Majority, People with Visible and Invisible Disabilities, and People from Low Income backgrounds.
How we are doing It
- Educating, training and supporting our team with a series of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) workshops held throughout the year which includes our staff, volunteers and facilitators. The trainings are organised and led by the EDI Co-Ordinator with collaboration with some of our Inclusivity Ambassadors.
- Developing our cultural change and social awareness, as we creatively provide curricula, programmes, and community conversations that continue to reflect the diversity of our communities.
- Establishing affinity groups within Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, to ensure that under-represented and marginalised members of our community feel welcome and included in all our courses programmes and offerings.
- Developing strategies for inclusive approaches with Jamyang London Team, by regularly accessing our facilities, programmes, and course materials to see what changes can be made to create a more welcoming community.
- Ensuring that Jamyang London policies and working practices are inclusive and equitable by regularly assessing hiring practices and performance review procedures that will attract, retain, and develop talented faculty and team members regardless of race, class, indigenous or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, mental and physical differences, political, religious, or spiritual beliefs.
