GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 12, 2022) – The DSM USA 4 Equity Collective is inviting area employers to participate in the DSM USA Organizational Equity Practices Assessment that was launched today. The DSM USA 4 Equity Collective is an effort developed through Capital Crossroads that is comprised of a broad range of community stakeholders purposefully selected to engage in the development of a metric system that seeks to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in all community efforts. The data collected from the survey will be analyzed to better understand how businesses, nonprofits and government entities are implementing equity practices and will identify areas of success and improvement. The assessment can be completed here.

“The purpose of the Organizational Equity Practices Assessment is to understand how employers are collectively contributing to a welcoming and inclusive community for all. The results will help us identify where we need to invest more time, energy and resources to get closer to reaching that goal,” said Marta Codina, Collective tri-chair and region bank president of Wells Fargo Bank. “It is important that organizations of all sizes and types participate so we can get the most accurate picture.”

“We know that some organizations in Central Iowa have done substantial work towards equity, and some may just be getting started in this space. We want to hear from everyone,” added Collective tri-chair and Kum & Go CEO Tanner Krause. “The survey will provide our region with critical insights that will guide the 4 Equity Collective’s efforts of building more equitable practices across businesses and communities for years to come.”

“The DSM USA 4 Equity Collective sees this survey as a key step in our broader work to develop tools, plans and goals for the region that lead to real action and change. Employers are significant partners in driving our region towards greater equity, and we look forward to engaging them in this research process and beyond,” said Renee Hardman, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, West Des Moines City Council member and Collective tri-chair.

The confidential survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and covers topics such as data collection, community engagement, communication, recruitment, retention, training and more. Each organization should collaborate to submit one response to the assessment. The survey will remain open to the public until Feb. 28.

About DSM USA 4 Equity Collective
The DSM USA 4 Equity Collective is an effort developed through Capital Crossroads and is comprised of a broad range of community stakeholders purposefully selected to engage in the development of a metric system that seeks to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all community efforts. The Collective seeks to develop tools, plans and goals that can build more equitable practices across businesses and communities. The Collective aims to assist our region in developing long-term metrics and indicators to gauge progress towards DEI efforts.