Diversity, Excellence, and Inclusion are foundational principles that affirm FourBlock's commitment to maintaining an inclusive culture that is reflective of the community we serve, where everyone can bring their whole selves to our team.
Diversity & Inclusion Distinctions
We are honored to be recognized as a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where the contributions of our employees are valued and respected.
In July of 2023, FourBlock was recognized as an Inclusive Workplace by Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine. This recognition is based on real data and feedback from employees and is awarded to organizations that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging in their work environments through the Inclusive Workplace Program.
For the second year in a row, FourBlock has also been recognized in the top five of the Best Nonprofits to Work For by the Nonprofit Times in partnership with Best Companies Group.
Nonprofits from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Nonprofits To Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated organization’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics.
The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top nonprofits and the final ranking.
FourBlock ranked fourth out of the top 50 in 2023 and was the highest rated veteran services organization on the list for the second year in a row.
FourBlock’s Diversity & Inclusion Goals
To continue fostering Diversity and Inclusion, we strive to meet defined goals to ensure our organization, workforce and partners are aligned with our path towards Excellence.
- Diversity and Inclusion are a competitive advantage critical to strategic growth.
- FourBlock is an organization that proactively attracts, develops and retains an inclusive team reflecting all dimensions of diversity.
- FourBlock has an inclusive culture where everyone is respected and valued for their viewpoints.
Diversity & Inclusion Strategy: Achieving Excellence through Diversity & Inclusion
FourBlock’s strategy on “Achieving Excellence through Diversity & Inclusion” has been informed and shaped by international diversity and inclusion expert Stephen Young, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, FourBlock’s Diversity & Inclusion Leader and Air Force veteran Launia Terry, as well as our organizational values to 1) Act with Humility; 2) Work to Build Trust; and 3) Pursue Excellence.
Our mission is to equip transitioning veterans and military spouses to reach their career potential and successfully transition to meaningful new civilian careers. Our flagship Career Readiness Program is designed to meet the unique needs of every participant, through 30 hours of classroom instruction and networking, as well as one-on-one career coaching. Our program is designed to help every program participant achieve excellence in whatever career endeavor that they choose.
Valuing diversity and ensuring that all participating service members, veterans, and military spouses feel welcome is an essential part of helping them to make a successful military transition, reach their career potential, and thrive in their post-military life and careers. FourBlock is committed to fielding a board of directors, staff, volunteers, and a network of employer partners who share in our principles and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
We have built a diverse team with wide-ranging skills and experiences. We work hard every day to lead by example and to live by the tenants of Achieving Excellence through Diversity & Inclusion.
Top Priorities Driving Our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
We have identified three priority operational lines of effort for Achieving Excellence through Diversity & Inclusion:
Organization
- Cascade executive commitment to FourBlock leadership, staff, and board of directors to enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Design policies and practices related to diversity and inclusion programs.
- Develop an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to FourBlock programs, courses, and events.
Workforce
- Recognize and manage one’s own unconscious bias.
- Develop a strategic training plan focused on the various spectrum of diversity.
- Create a mix of teams to ensure our team, volunteers, and classes are representative of the active-duty force.
- Provide individual support to each participant so that they can reach their career potential.
Marketplace
- Develop strategic alliances with organizations that share our values and are dedicated to diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Promote a diverse and inclusive workforce by engaging and creating corporate partnerships with organizations that value a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Strengthen FourBlock’s internal/external communications to promote our commitment to diversity.
FourBlock Veteran Career Readiness Program Demographics
We continually strive to ensure that the demographics of our program participants reflect those of the active-duty military population. The demographics for our most recent Fall 2023 semester are included below.
| FourBlock Fall 2023 Cohort | * Active Duty Population | |
|---|---|---|
| Race/Ethnicity |
42% identify as members of a Racial Minority group ** 15% identify as Hispanic or Latino 6% choose not to disclose |
31.1% are members of Racial Minority groups ** 17.2% are Hispanic or Latino |
| Gender |
82% Male 17% Female <1% choose not to disclose |
82.4% Male 17.6% Female |
| Enlisted and Officer |
56% Enlisted 45% Officer |
82.4% Enlisted 17.6% Officer |
| Service Branch |
34% Army 26% Air Force 3% Coast Guard 13% Marine Corps 20% Navy 3.5% Space Force, National Guard, or Other |
24.7% Air Force 36.1% Army 13.6% Marine Corps 25.6% Navy Coast Guard and National Guard not reported |
* Source: 2020 Demographics Profile of the Military Community (Department of Defense); https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf
** Racial minority includes Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Multiracial, and Other/Not Listed