Culture & Belonging
At Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA), we are deeply committed to cultivating a culture that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive, guided by our KRESA Core Values of collaboration, Innovation, compassion, respect, and integrity. Our dedication to creating a healthy culture and sense of belonging shapes our organizational practices, policies, curriculum, and professional learning designed to ensure equitable and inclusive opportunities for all students and staff.
Since its establishment in 2018, our Culture and Belonging Team has championed transformation by facilitating professional learning, analyzing institutional policies and systems, while keeping accountable to implementing research-based equitable and inclusive practices. The Culture and Belonging Team members are dedicated professionals from across KRESA’s Centers of Excellence who foster collaboration and ensure that our actions reflect our core values.
Our Journey Toward Equity and Belonging
- 1990s: Initiation of the KRESA Diversity Committee to raise awareness about equity issues.
- 2000s: Transition to the Inclusion and Diversity Team to further our commitment to inclusion.
- 2015: Adoption of the "Action Plan to Achieve a Positive, Safe, and Inclusive Organizational Work Environment.
- 2018: Establishment of the ABAR Leadership Team driving institutional accountability and change.
- 2020: Hiring of an ISCS Culture and Climate Support Specialist to further support these efforts.
- 2024: Creation of the Director of Culture and Belonging role and its team to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive culture, ensuring every student and staff member feels a profound sense of belonging.
The Culture and Belonging Team is coordinated by the Director of Culture and Belonging and has been structured in two branches - a Facilitator branch and a Systems/Organizer Branch.
Facilitator Branch
The Facilitator Branch develops and delivers high-quality professional learning across KRESA’s five Centers of Excellence.
Systems/Organizer Branch
The Systems/Organizer Branch reviews, refines, and supports implementation of policy, procedures, practices, and systems that create a culture of belonging at KRESA.