DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

MISSION:

The DEI committee is actively looking for a leader to take on the role of chair of the committee, as well as committee members.  As a profession and as an organization, we strive to be representative and reflective of the communities we serve. Unfortunately, the reality has not yet caught up to the ambition.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee meet monthly via Zoom. This committee focuses on initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, mentorship, training, outreach, and community discussion for our students, members, and communities. Diversity involves celebrating differences based on gender, race, sexual orientation, identity, culture, and ethnicity. Equity is defined as fairness, and inclusion means “for all people.

As a member of ASLA, what can we do to make our profession more inclusive and representative of the towns and cities we work with? We want to hear from you. Let’s discuss any ideas or plans that you would like to see created, or are developing individually.

CURRENT AND FUTURE INITIATIVES:

Creation of a Community Inclusive and Equality Chair position and Committee

Increased partnership with allied organizations to better organize to enact change

Expanding our outreach to K-12, and High School STEM programs

Continuing education, and panel discussions

Chapter lobbyist focus on environmental justice, equality, and human rights

A more diverse and broad chapter awards program.