Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Our Values

Sound Generations has established six new values that align with the organization’s overall mission and vision. Our values involve working across departments to focus on advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

1. Service Minded – service is at the core of everything we do. We strive to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for older adults to participate in.
2. Foster Community – we embrace inclusion and seek to create connections through our commitment to foster a multigenerational community.
3. Uphold DEI – we embrace the work that prompts us to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
4. Lead with Compassion – we treat everyone as an individual worthy of our team and care. We actively create spaces for others to show up as their authentic selves.
5. Embrace Collaboration – we meet the needs of people aging in place, understanding the challenges they face, then working together to find the right solution.
6. Integrity – we use our experience to inform our actions, act in alignment with the mission, and hold each other accountable for achieving our goals.

Sound Generations C.A.R.E.S.

As a Sound Generations’ DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiative, C.A.R.E.S. reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees feel supported and empowered. By centering the values of Community, Awareness, Respect, Empathy, and Solidarity (C.A.R.E.S), Sound Generations fosters an environment where collaboration and belonging thrive.

What this initiative means to us

C.A.R.E.S. is more than a set of values — it is a collective commitment to embedding equity, inclusion & belonging into everything we do, from how we work together as colleagues to how we serve our diverse community.

• Community: We foster a sense of connection and belonging, ensuring every team member feels part of something larger. Together, we build a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions matter.
• Awareness: We strive to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives within our team and among those we serve. Staying informed and open-minded helps us grow as individuals and as an organization.
• Respect: We value the experiences, identities, and perspectives of each person. Respect is the cornerstone of our interactions, building trust and encouraging authenticity.
• Empathy: Leading with empathy allows us to connect more deeply with one another. We take time to understand each other’s challenges and successes, cultivating a culture of care and understanding.
• Solidarity: Together, we stand united in our efforts to uplift and support one another. Through shared purpose and mutual encouragement, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

C.A.R.E.S. reinforces our commitment to equity, inclusion & belonging through actionable, daily practices. It’s a reminder to approach our work with Compassion, Integrity, and a spirit of Collaboration as we navigate the evolving needs of our workplace and the communities we serve.

A call to action

C.A.R.E.S. is an invitation to each of us to embody these values in our interactions, decisions, and daily responsibilities. It’s a commitment to fostering a workplace where every employee is empowered to thrive and where our collective efforts make Sound Generations a better place to work and grow.

We consistently work together to ensure that C.A.R.E.S. is reflected in how we support each other, collaborate as a team, and meet the needs of those who count on us.

Land Acknowledgement & Commitment

We wish to acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities native to this region and recognize that Sound Generations is built on Indigenous homelands and resources. We recognize the Duwamish People, peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself, the Duwamish Tribe and our indigenous neighbors the Suquamish, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, and Muckleshoot Tribes, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.

We are dedicated to centering Indigenous voices & perspectives, improving community relationships, correcting the narrative, and making the Sound Generations campus a more supportive and inclusive place for Native and Indigenous volunteers, community members & staff. We encourage everyone to engage with contemporary communities, to learn the histories of this land, to look at who has and does not have access to its resources, and to examine your own place, abilities, and obligations within this process of reparative work that is necessary to promote a more equitable and socially just Sound Generations.

Contact the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program

E-mail: equityworks@soundgenerations.org