AAUW is working to promote a focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in the branches, and Nancy Mahr has agreed to serve as our DEI coordinator.Diversity refers to individual characteristics, the dimensions that make each of us unique. Equity is about everyone having equal access to what they need to be successful, and those needs can be quite different. It is fairness in the distribution of resources.Inclusion entails behaviors and actions that make us feel welcomed or not. An environment where everyone feels welcomed and included is essential for the success of diverse efforts. Belonging is part of inclusion—feeling like you are a part of something, feeling that you actually matter and are needed.AAUW needs all of these things together, diversity, inclusion and equity for our branches to continue to grow and thrive and has adopted DEI as an on-going policy.
DEI NOTES – Terminology
DEI: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
BELONGING: feeling like you are a part of something, that you actually matter. It isn’t necessarily about being liked — but rather being needed.
INTERSECTIONALITY: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups. In looking at DEI, you can’t consider just one impactful element – there are always several.
UNCONSCIOUS BIAS: an inclination of temperament or outlook, especially a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment or prejudice which is not marked by conscious thought, sensation, or feeling, and is not consciously held or deliberately planned or carried out and of which the person is not aware. These biases develop over our lifetime, usually without our realization or knowledge.
ALLYSHIP: the state or condition of being an ally: supportive association with another person or group. Anyone can be an ally, but it’s not a passive role; it means speaking up and taking action, not just claiming the title. Being an ally is consistent work that may not always go perfectly. Mistakes are inevitable, but being open to listening, learning, and doing better is an important part of allyship.
To learn more about DEI click HERE to view the DEI Toolkit created by the national organization.
Click HERE to watch a video on inclusion.
Click HERE to see a DEI glossary of terms.
Click HERE to view the California AAUW overview of DEI which was shared at the 2022 Branch meeting.
Click HERE to read the article, “DO UNCONSCIOUS BIASES AFFECT YOUR LIFE?“