Diversity and inclusion policy

Community in print is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-racism, and sustainability, and takes action towards these efforts. Here’s what that looks like:

Access for All: We run courses for local communities across the South West of the UK as well as online. Therefore access is a crucial resource for students to be successful and to engage in all of the activities that Community in print offers. As a part of this we make sure that venues are accessible for those with a range of disabilities and can provide resources in alternative formats on request. Access goes beyond physical access but also includes financial access too. This is why Community in print is committed to offering free and heavily subsidized workshops so that everyone, no matter their financial need, can access the arts.

Sliding scale for services: There is a range of free and subsidized workshops to enable individuals to access the arts that are in low-income situations. There is also a sliding scale for corporate workshops, to allow smaller businesses and those in the charity sector who are seeking 1:1 services and private workshops but have a lower financial turnover compared to bigger businesses.

Supporting local economies: Where money is spent (and not spent) can have a huge impact in our communities. Community in print is committed to:
    * Purchasing materials from local and sustainable businesses helps support the local economy and make the place we live a vibrant place for all. This also feeds into our sustainability practices, reducing the emissions that are created in the transport of materials. Where possible all efforts are made to walk to local venues, or use public transport.
    * No longer patronizing large and small corporations who support practices, legislation, and political leaders that work against BIPOC and LGBT+ communities.
    * Directing money where possible to BIPOC-owned and LGBT+ owned businesses.
    * As a business, and as a private individual, donating money to activists and causes that further LGBT+ inclusion, anti-racism, and climate justice.

Member of the Green Maker initiative: Community in print has joined the Make South West Green Maker initiative, which is a pledge to monitor, manage and reduce our impact on the environment. You can learn more about what this pledge means here.

Platform as promotion for others: Whether through mentioning the names of LGBT+, BIPOC artists, or those who advocate for sustainability whose work I love to clients I’m working with, sharing their work and mission with my Instagram audience, or partnering with them on projects, I’m able to use my stage for others to stand in the spotlight. It’s important that these promotions are genuine, and not merely because of the person’s identification with the community, but as a celebration of their craft AND their unique position within their culture. 

Ongoing Education: Through books, courses, and podcasts, Community in print is continually expanding the understanding, naming, and breaking down of white supremacy, and fairly compensates the relevant teachers and activists who provide LGBT+, anti-racism education and experiences (including those who share on Instagram. Their work should never be free). 

Representation without Profit: Characters in the illustration designs will represent a wide array of skin tones, body types, and hair textures.

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This diversity and inclusion policy is inspired by Made by Dylan M’s policy, which you can read here.