We Are a League for EVERYONE
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to the League's current and future success in engaging ALL individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy: "There shall be no barriers to full participation in the League on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity."
A common flaw with DEI programs is they help people to identify unconscious biases, but then fail to provide actionable steps on how to address these biases. Focusing on awareness alone ignores the structural inequalities that sustain a discriminatory culture in the long run. The National Office of the League of Women Voters has given us a process for evaluating our programs and actions concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This process can help us as we work toward awareness of the inequities that many of our fellow citizens have endured for years. The first step in change is understanding.
Towards that first step, we share with our League members, and all members of our community, the resources below, as identified or generously provided by the League of Women’s Voters National. We hope they will open your heart and mind.