It is Time for Change!

To the members of our community, staff, CareerForce partners, clients, and local businesses:

One of Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) Core Values is to “Lead by Example” and now more than ever, we need to practice what we preach. We must not only demand change – we must be a part of it. We can no longer stand on the sidelines of history.

I do not believe any of us anticipated the many challenges 2020 would bring when we began this year. COVID-19, followed by the senseless murder of George Floyd, and the thousands of voices in our streets declaring it is time for change, has forced us to come together to overcome unprecedented challenges and support each other during a pivotal time in Minnesota and our nation’s history.

The magnitude of this moment is extremely traumatic for our communities, our local workforce development area, and the State of Minnesota. The news coverage and details of Floyd’s death leave us feeling grief, pain, and anger. Through the intensity of this deep sorrow, we find a new wave of optimism and courage. It is time for change! Let us stand together to reaffirm our values of caring, mutual respect, and of equity and inclusion, within our workplace, in our communities, and throughout Minnesota.

As an organization that values all individuals, regardless of color, race, age, sexual preference, religion, disability, or economic status, CMJTS has an obligation and a responsibility to educate our staff and community to dismantle racism and racial inequality in our society. Furthermore, it obligates us to confront practices and policies, within our organization, that fails to promote justice and inclusion.

CMJTS is committed to creating an environment of inclusion where everyone is valued and has a sense of belonging. We will work to confront and eliminate the barriers racism has created, and to earn the trust of our community to create a culture of accountability. We will prioritize recruiting and hiring practices that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This important work will be challenging. It will require each of us working together.

CMJTS stands for justice, equality, and fair and respectful treatment of all people and maintains a zero-tolerance for any form of racism, bigotry, or hatred.

We can no longer stand on the sidelines of history; it is our time to make history!

Respectfully,

Barbara Chaffee
CEO of Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.