The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce ended the year with a blueprint for attracting new and more diverse members.
We first benchmarked DEI best practices. Incorporating the work of Dr. Maya Beasley (Beyond Diversity: A Roadmap to Building Inclusive Organizations), we focused on two key practices for LWV-PA:
- Integrate diversity into the structure, mission, and bottom line
- Employ metrics to better attract those who are not currently involved as well as provide an accurate snapshot of the organization in its current form
In collaboration with the Membership and Voter Services Committees, we refined priorities for each of these best practices, understanding that the first practice is really a long-term goal: First, we seek to better understand the experiences of new and nonrenewing members by initiating Chats—interactive small-group teleconferences to better connect with new members, answer any questions about League norms and structure, and understand what is working and not working for them. Thanks, Martha Zavala, for that fabulous idea!
The Taskforce unanimously agreed on the efficacy of data gathering to assist the LWV-PA in attracting a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable membership. Responses will help accurately describe the LWV-PA to new audiences and inform outreach efforts. We discussed two mechanisms:
- A basic demographic survey, which will be distributed with the June Request for Renewals. We urge everyone to complete this portion of the renewal form!
- A comprehensive questionnaire, to be designed and developed in 2020–2021 to capture attitudinal and behavioral involvement, e.g., facility with and access to technology, average monthly time available for League work, and the primary benefits of being a member. These discussions are in their initial stages.
For those who might consider gathering this information as intrusive: We want to stress that the data will be collected anonymously and that your responses contribute to the long-term sustainability of the League.
On behalf of the DEI Taskforce, I wish to thank the Membership and Voter Services Committees in particular for putting us on their agendas and for collaborating with us to tackle what will probably be the most transformative undertaking the League has encountered since its inception.
It’s been quite a year! I thank LWV-PA for the opportunity to serve.
—Jacqui Pinn, Co-chair, DEI Taskforce
