The Welsh language belongs to everyone.
It is an integral part of the identity and culture of Wales and a way to welcome people from different backgrounds to our country and culture. By publishing and implementing an Anti-Racist Statement, the Mentrau Iaith are working towards welcoming more people from ethnic minorities in Wales to experience and enjoy the Welsh language through activities provided by the Mentrau Iaith.
Wales is a diverse country with intersecting identities across the nation. As a national organisation, we have a duty to celebrate that diversity and challenge the concept of a fixed Welsh identity, where necessary, in order to ensure the Welsh language is accessible to everyone.
Our Vision
We strongly believe that creating fair conditions for everyone to thrive and feel that they belong to the Welsh language and community is central to the work of the Mentrau Iaith.
Adopting anti-racist ways of working is essential to ensuring that the Welsh language is available to everyone in every community across Wales.
We will not tolerate racism, harassment, persecution or abuse.
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an environment and experience where everyone feels warmly welcomed – whether staff, volunteers, members of the public or partners. Ensuring an inclusive, equal and diverse environment is key for the Mentrau Iaith and the Welsh language to prosper.
We ensure that:
- Our services are representative and promote inclusion.
- The Mentrau Iaith and their local partners develop their awareness and practices to ensure that everyone from all backgrounds feel they belong to the community – through the medium of Welsh.
- The Mentrau Iaith is a workplace that welcomes everyone, and that the workforce understands the importance of fairness and anti-racism.
- The Mentrau Iaith collaborate with partners to develop their understanding of the challenges faced by people who identify with one of the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 (e.g. disability, religion, race, sexual orientation, age).
- Everyone feels a warm welcome in our work – whether they are officers, volunteers, members or partners. We know that creating an inclusive, equal and diverse environment is vital to our work.
Next Steps:
- Work jointly with partners to develop our understanding of the challenges faced by people who identify with one of the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 (e.g. disability, religion, race, sexual orientation, age).
- Work collaboratively with organisations that represent Black, Asian and other Ethnic Minority communities to improve engagement and participation.
- Work with strategic partners to develop training and resources in order to raise awareness of the Anti-Racism agenda among our officers and volunteers.
- Review our policies to ensure they support our Anti-Racism Statement. This includes our recruitment policies.
- We will demonstrate our commitment to Fairness, Diversity and Inclusion in our internal and external messaging. Officers, volunteers and stakeholders will understand that this commitment to being an Anti-Racist organisation is central to everything we do.