Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) is not only a lens through which Missoula County views our work; it's part of our core values and guides the work we do.

In the wake of a national reckoning to systemic inequities exacerbated by: extrajudicial executions of citizens of color, the COVID pandemic, housing crises, violence within educational systems, reductions of local businesses, increasing economic inequality and more, communities are looking to local governments to be more accountable through developing and implementing more just and equitable polices, practices and decision-making processes that are inclusive of their increasingly diverse communities.

Establishing resolution 2021-087: signed Sept. 2, 2021, by the Missoula Board of County Commissioners

Our JEDI Office empowers the mission, vision, values and goals of Missoula County through the integration of interpersonal, department and organizational support committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture rooted in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

What is JEDI: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Adapted from the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Key Terms and Definitions, Missoula County uses the following as working definitions for what we mean when referencing JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion): 

Justice – The process of society moving from an unfair, unequal or inequitable state to one that is fair, equal or equitable. A transformative practice that relies on the entire community to acknowledge past and current harms to evolve societal beliefs and behaviors and, subsequently, the governing laws. Proactive enforcement of policies, practices and attitudes that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment and outcomes for all regardless of the various identities that one holds. 

Equity – The process of identifying and removing the barriers that create disparities in the access to resources and means, and the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to thrive.  

Diversity – The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language and physical ability. 

Inclusion – The practice of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to participate fully. 

While Equal Employment Opportunity is a legal obligation for Missoula County, inclusion goes further by valuing the importance of being part of the group in every way. 

Justice: We lead with justice because justice for all is the ideal state. We are always striving toward a more perfect vision of justice for all.

Equity: One of the four pillars of public administration that guides our work. We recognize that justice cannot be achieved without equity, which accounts for ways in which different groups experience barriers to justice.

Diversity: Embraces the ways in which we are alike and different. Equity without diversity is a perversion of equality, privileging some identities at the marginalization of others.

Inclusion:  We are inclusive of the diverse people, perspectives and experiences that are here, that have been before and have yet to come. 

Learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Missoula County by visiting our What is Missoula County Doing About Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion? page and follow the progress on the JEDI advisory board development.