Project Avary’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Project Avary is committed to the well-being of children and families impacted by incarceration. We recognize the disproportionate incarceration of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), both locally and nationally. The youth and families we serve live that reality every day.

Our commitment to equity is grounded in cultural humility, respect, and belonging. The “Avary culture” reflects and uplifts the lived experiences, identities, and traditions of our community. We honor the dignity and uniqueness of every child and strive to create spaces where they feel seen, valued, and supported.

We build our staff with intention, seeking individuals who bring a deep connection to our mission and reflect the experiences of the youth we serve. Our hiring practices prioritize representation, relational skills, and a diversity of perspectives. At the Board level, we are expanding our efforts to include members who bring lived experience, cultural insight, and the strategic expertise needed to strengthen our work.

Project Avary’s approach includes:

• Partnering with community organizations that serve and reflect our families

• Elevating youth voices and leadership as they grow through our programs

• Creating opportunities for staff to share feedback and shape our workplace culture

• Uplifting diverse perspectives across our Board and leadership

We believe organizations thrive when all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Our work is ongoing, and we remain dedicated to building a culture of equity, accountability, and shared purpose.

Land Acknowledgment

As we gather across the Bay Area, Project Avary acknowledges the original stewards of this land — past, present, and future — and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Indigenous peoples who have cared for it across generations.

We respectfully recognize that we are on the traditional lands of:

• In Marin & Sonoma: The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (including Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples)

• In San Francisco: The Ranaytush Ohlone & the Muwekma Ohlone

• In the East Bay: The Muwekma Ohlone & Chochenyo peoples

We honor their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and their sacred connection to land and water. We offer this acknowledgment as one small step in our ongoing responsibility to examine the impact of colonialism and to engage with its present-day implications.

We invite you to take a moment to honor these ancestral lands and to celebrate the strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples everywhere.

Whose Land Are You On?
As a first step in honoring Indigenous communities, we invite you to learn about the Native lands you live on. This interactive map can help you identify the original stewards of your area, which is an important starting point for reflection, respect, and building deeper relationships with Native communities near you.