Hilltop Inclusivity +
One of Hilltop’s values is Inclusivity: respecting individual differences, ensuring equal opportunities, and condemning prejudicial actions. Many cultures, heritages and diverse groups are represented within Hilltop and the community we serve. We strive to recognize, celebrate, and educate on the importance of our full spectrum of diversity.
Real progress on diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen without real work. We need to learn and relearn, have uncomfortable conversations, and examine our conscious and unconscious biases if we’re going to produce genuine change. Explore the content below to learn new concepts, understand the experiences of others, and reflect on how to turn these ideas into action.
Featured Content
Universal Human Rights: A Commitment to Dignity & Equity
As we reflect on the importance of Universal Human Rights, we are reminded of our shared humanity and the values of equality, dignity, and freedom. Recognizing and protecting these rights for all people, regardless of their background, is essential for fostering inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
A Brief History of Universal Human Rights
The concept of human rights has evolved over centuries, gaining momentum with pivotal documents like the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Drafted in the aftermath of World War II, the UDHR outlined fundamental rights and freedoms that every person should enjoy. It continues to inspire movements for justice and equality across the globe.
Leaders of Universal Human Rights
Bryan Stevenson (USA)
- Focus: Criminal justice reform
- As the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson works to address racial injustice, mass incarceration, and wrongful convictions. His advocacy is captured in his book and the documentary Just Mercy.
Leymah Gbowee (Liberia)
- Focus: Women’s peace and empowerment
- A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Gbowee led a nonviolent movement of women to end Liberia’s civil war. She continues to work for women’s rights and peace-building worldwide.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (Mexico & USA)
- Focus: Indigenous rights and climate action
- As an Indigenous environmental activist, Martinez advocates for climate action while raising awareness about the rights and cultural significance of Indigenous peoples.
Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan)
- Focus: Education and women’s rights
- Still actively leading initiatives through the Malala Fund, she continues her work to ensure girls worldwide have access to education.
Dive Deep into Human Rights Podcasts
Human Rights Pulse
Discussions on contemporary human rights challenges and progress.
Strength & Solidarity
Thought-provoking conversations with activists and changemakers, hosted by Awke Amosu
Rights Up
Hosted by Oxford Human Rights Hub, this podcast explores cutting-edge issues in the field.
Books that Illuminate Human Rights
Long Walk to Freedom
By Nelson Mandela. A powerful autobiography of Mandela’s fight against apartheid.
Just Mercy
By Byran Stevenson. A moving account of how the justice system’s impact has on marginalized communities.
We Should All Be Feminist
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A call for gender equality and human rights.
Everyone Who is Gone is Here
by Jonathan Blitzer. Connecting US foreign policy with America’s immigration crisis.
Documentaries that Inspire Change
He Named Me Malala
A profile of Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education. (Hulu)
13th
An in-depth look at the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S. (Netflix)
Human Flow
Ai Weiwei’s stunning exploration of the global refugee crisis (Amazon Prime)
Join Inclusivity+ Committees
Inclusivity+ Committees are we were we can share our experiences at each campus, and create a community where everyone belongs. Reach out to LehuaL@htop.org for a calendar invite to the Inclusivity+ Committees.
The Commons: 1st Tuesday of the Month from 2-3PM @ the Private Dining Room
Grand Junction FRC: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 11-12PM @ 1st floor Conference Room
Montrose FRC: 2nd Wednesday of the month 2-3PM @ The Large Conference Room
Life Adjustment Program: 3rd Monday of the month from 2-3PM @ the Large Conference Room
Support Services: (Corporate, IT, and PSW) 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9-10AM @ Corporate West Conference Room
The Fountains: Coming Soon
Calendar of Events
Leave a comment to share your own story or idea – let your voice be heard! Contact Lehua La’a, Inclusivity+ Manager with questions, thoughts, concerns, or if you are looking for ideas for personal growth or team development. lehual@htop.org | 970.242.4400
Here’s another book for the Asian American perspective on being Asian in America: Farewell To Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. It is an autobiographical account of her experiences during her time in an American WWII Japanese internment camp. I read this book while in Middle school and found it to be a poignant and thoughtful accounting of what it meant to be Asian in America during that time.
Looking forward to Pride activities. I haven’t participated for several years. We have come a long way since the 60’s!
Go women’s soccer!!
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1082272202/women-soccer-contracts-equal-pay-settlement-uswnt
Hi there Hilltoppers! For those of you living in the Delta, Montrose, Ridgeway, and Ouray communities…I just wanted to update you that a Pride event is taking place on July 25th from 4:00 to 8:00 at Hartwell Park in Ridgeway! It’s the first annual Ouray County pride fest!
I love this! Thank you for getting this going! There is not enough conversation about diversity and inclusivity (especially in many smaller towns) and I am so proud to work for an organization so willing to address that ❤
Trying the link to the Ted Talk “Difference between being “not racist” and “anti-racist” again….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCxbl5QgFZw
Hi again! Just wanted to share some more resources for everyone to take a deeper dive into Black History month, current topics that affect Black Americans in the United States, and how to be an ally to the Black community. Several of these resources have been read, watched, and discussed by Hilltop leadership and we thought it was fitting to share these resources and learning opportunities with you!
Black Americans making history in 2021 – https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/gma-inspiration-list-making-black-history-2021/story?id=75228763
White Fragility Ted Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ey4jgoxeU
White Fragility Book (Robin DiAngelo) – http://www.beacon.org/White-Fragility-P1631.aspx
Understanding Anti-racism Ted Talk – Difference between being “not racist” and “anti-racist” -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCxbl5QgFZw
How To Be An Anti-Racist Book (Ibram X. Kendi) – https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist
13th Documentary (Ava Duvernay) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krfcq5pF8u8
Just Mercy Official Movie Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVQbeG5yW78
Just Mercy Book (Bryan Stevenson) – https://justmercy.eji.org/
Want to access these books and videos for free? Mesa County Public Library has all these and more! I’ve included their instruction page for getting a library card and using their on-line system to check-out books, videos, and so much more! Did you know that there’s also a free app you can load on your phone to access books and audio books for free through the library? It’s called the Libby App and I’ve included a link for you to learn more about it and load it on your phone, computer/laptop, tablet, etc. Enjoy!!
Library card & online book/video rental information – https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/library-cards/
Libby App (Free book & audio book library rentals) – https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/
Hollie and Dylan, thank you for creating this site. I enjoyed watching the Local Profile Spotlight featuring, Mona Highline.
I love this so much! Thank you for all of your work, Hollie and Dylan.
Hi all! It was brought to my attention that the link above to the PBS documentary series on the Reconstruction requires a monthly subscription to PBS passport. Here is the free option through YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97JqxwjTuf8 Part 1&2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsi9uJy5azE Part 3&4
Love, Love, Love EVERYTHING about this page! So proud of Hilltop and Hollie for making this initiative a priority!
I love this new page!