by Rebecca Greenhaw, Chair LWVOKC

As it was at the LWVUS Convention in Chicago in June of 2018, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) was again a major focus at the LWVUS 2019 (Leadership) Council in Washington, D.C. June 20th – 23rd. At Council, however, the focus moved beyond why DEI is crucial to the survival of the League in the 21st century to examine how Leagues at all levels can integrate those values into the very DNA of the League.

DEI is too often viewed as a “fuzzy,” “feel-good” concept disconnected from our actual mission of empowering voters and defending democracy. To have a real effect, DEI must become the lens through which we view every aspect of our work. It must infuse and inform every action we take—every issue we address. It cannot be forced or superimposed on the old “League Way,” but must be consciously developed and integrated over time. To be authentic, DEI must arise organically from the nature and culture of the organization. If the LWV is to survive and grow in the 21st century, Leagues at all levels must change as we go about fulfilling our mission. We must absorb, integrate and practice DEI in every undertaking. We must incorporate DEI into the League DNA—DEI must come to characterize our organizational identity. This process requires that we recognize and own the damage done to our sisters of color in the past and work to repair the damage. We must reach out to people of all economic groups, ethnicities, abilities, genders, gender identities, and ages. And we must be trustworthy partners.

How do we do that? NOT by riding into communities on our “white horse” to “save the day,” or “show them how things should be done.”

• We must change the very structure and culture of the League by
• Recognizing that achieving diversity, equity and inclusion requires increased awareness of bias, and a continuing, long-term effort to educate our leadership, our members, and the public
• Identifying a DEI officer/committee in every State and Local League
• Updating our language and our communication platforms
• Attracting new members by making our meetings
• Less formal:
• Shorter
• Simpler
• More fun
• More public:
• Meetings/events in public venues
• No private homes
• No churches
• Less serious:
• Focus on quick, meaningful activities
• Anticipate participation based on specific interests (eg: voter registration or signature gathering)
• Broadening access to training and policy positions:
• Livestream & archive meetings and events on our websites
• Offer recorded training webinars

Maybe, just maybe, if our organization can effect these changes, we might be rewarded by being numbered among those who have earned the right to imagine the future!