BEMIS

**Aims & Objectives** BEMIS is the national umbrella body supporting the development of the Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector in Scotland. BEMIS was established in 2001 to promote the interest of minority ethnic voluntary organisations, develop capacity and support inclusion and integration of ethnic minorities communities. It is a member-led and managed organisation with an elected board of directors. The major aims and objectives of BEMIS are to represent and support the development of the ethnic minority voluntary sector across Scotland, and to support the diverse communities and individuals that this sector represents, especially those who are under- represented and disadvantaged. BEMIS aims to address inequalities by empowering communities, working towards an inclusive society by establishing structures, which recognise diversity and empowers ethnic minorities, and ensuring that they are fully recognised and supported as a valued part of the Scottish multicultural civic society. **Mission Statement** > As a strategic national infrastructure organisation, BEMIS aims to empower the diverse Ethnic Minority third sector. We are committed to promoting inclusion, democratic active citizenship, recognition of diversity, human rights education, and wider representation, as well as effecting a proactive role in maintaining and enhancing pathways to influence government policy in regards to equality and human rights at local, Scottish, UK and EU levels. **Our Vision** > Our vision is of a Scotland that is Equal, Inclusive, and Responsive: a society where people from the diverse communities are valued, treated with dignity and respect, have equal citizenship, opportunities and quality of life, and who actively participate in civic society. BEMIS, within the perspective of our vision, adopts, deploys and utilizes the following core principles in our strategy and operational planning, development and delivery: ****BEMIS…**** - Recognizes and respect the diversity of diversity in all it does. - Seeks to foster a sense of community within, and solidarity between, minority groups. - Ensures that its policies and actions are clear, coherent, and consistent, and apply equally to all. - Embraces all without either homogenizing difference or entrenching ethnic division. - Does not favour any group over any other, or to entrench any racist doctrine or ethnic hierarchy. - Avoids any policy or action which gives offence to any stake-holders. - Is open to the fluidity of individuals’ self-description and to the fluidity of ethnic and other related classifications. - Does not seek or purport to speak on behalf of minority communities either individually or collectively, but assist them to speak for themselves. - Utilises consultative and inclusive approaches to facilitate effective community engagement to inform and influence local and national policies. - Ensures that its Board and staff is reflective of the diverse communities in Scotland. All of BEMIS’ strategic, planning and operational contexts will be based on a partnership approach to *all equality strands* promoting interaction and cooperation at all levels.