DEI in Practice

We have an opportunity to go thru a DEI training course. The course continues the efforts of the LWVUS for the past 3 years to assist Leagues as they expand their individual DEI efforts. This training continues the approach which occurs at three basic levels as described in the course introduction:

• Individual – Examines the fact that for this DEI work to succeed, we each need to examine our relationship to DEI, identify our biases, and understand our diverse dimensions and how to relate to the diverse dimensions of those around us;
• Organizational – Examines barriers to equitable and inclusive participation, opportunities to create a culture of collective leadership, and how Leagues can represent the communities they serve;
• Community –This level examines how Leagues can be equitable and helpful partners to our communities and can share our strengths in a way that uplifts underrepresented voices and acknowledges their value in our Democracy.

The course is billed as being designed to help us to establish the framework and mindset needed to apply a DEI lens to what we do as individuals and to what your League undertakes.  Half of our current Task Force members have received this training as of July through the grant, and the grant funds will support a DEI related workshop for all NYS League members and their communities in the upcoming months.