Middle Seat Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Mission

Promote and foster a culture valuing diversity, equity and inclusion here at Middle Seat and in the world through the clients we serve.

Vision

Middle Seat is a values-driven firm. We work with left-of-center clients, and we strive to make our work environment and benefits reflect progressive values. We are committed to the work of rooting out inequities in treatment, access, and opportunities for all team members and clients. We believe that the reflection and embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to doing the best possible digital work for all our clients.

Approach

As a firm that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we strive to:

  • Acknowledge and dismantle the structures of privilege and white supremacy within our workplace, as well as inequities in both policy and practice.
  • Maintain an open, intentional, and regular dialog to explore areas for growth in DEI.
  • Work for clients who embody and share our values with regard to DEI.
  • Commit our time and resources to building DEI, including but not limited to time and resources in hiring, human resources, and training.
  • Practice transparent communication and reporting on progress, challenges, and changes as we grow in the areas of DEI.
  • Approach DEI with an attitude of learning and listening, acknowledging areas for growth as well as other perspectives.
  • See DEI as an asset, not a chore. See DEI as essential to doing our best work for the clients we serve.
  • Provide salaries, benefits, and work environments that promote and uphold greater DEI.
    • Including salary ranges on all job descriptions.
    • Creating an environment where team members feel more comfortable advocating for raises and promotions.
    • Consider job applicants of all educational attainment levels, not limiting ourselves to only those with college degrees.
    • Create a work environment that allows all people to succeed, regardless of economic status, body shape or size, gender, race, identity, or sexuality.
    • Pay all team members who work at Middle Seat, including interns a minimum wage of $20/hr.
    • Regularly update a published and transparent list of staff salaries.
    • Voluntarily recognize our union at the Campaign Workers’ Guild.
    • Provide medical benefits above and beyond our provided insurance coverage for trans people.
    • Help cover DACA fees for undocumented people.
    • Create HR structures that promote positive, safe, and equitable work environments for all people.
    • Train all staff with an anti-harassment seminar.
    • Maintain, update, and improve an explicit harassment policy.
  • Speak explicitly and openly about the aforementioned goals, such as in job listings, on our website, and in the office.
  • Train hiring teams on biases in hiring, promoting, or evaluating processes.