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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Position Statement National Speakers Association Illinois
Introduction & Overview
The Board of Directors for NSA Illinois promotes and supports diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of all people involved as management, members, guests and other participants at any and all events or programs produced by NSA Illinois whether for the purposes of professional development or social engagement.
National Headquarters
Additionally, NSA Illinois is proud to be an affiliated chapter with our headquarters at National Speakers Association in Tempe, Arizona. NSA is an organization which is inclusive of all differences of our fellow human beings. We support, promote, and accept the Statement issued by NSA National. Please refer to these webpages for more information from National Headquarters.
- “One of NSA’s core values is Inclusion and we realize that we must do more to speak up and stand up for racial justice, equity, and inclusion. We understand that staying quiet on these issues sends a message of complicity and this is not our position. We believe that our organization of speakers, many of whom have platforms that are highly visible nationally and globally, can bring about real change that will uplift humanity and be a voice to support the voiceless. Our members share powerful, life changing messages, offer solutions to complex problems, and leave audiences inspired and transformed. And as the nation struggles to come together, to heal, and to eradicate hate, violence, racism, and discrimination, we hope that you will all continue to lift your voices and your influence to making our organization and our world a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive place for all.” – NSA Headquarters, Tempe, Arizona
Definitions
To help each of us better understand the efforts and purpose of this Position Statement, NSA Illinois offers the following definitions of “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion.” The following definitions are derived from “Four Steps for Adopting a ‘Diversity-First’ Practice in PR” by Adrienne A. Wallace and Regina Luttrell, July 7, 2020.
Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. Individuals may affiliate with multiple identities. While diversity is often used in relation to race, ethnicity, and gender, there are broader elements of diversity that also include: age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance.
Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to eliminate barriers that have prevented the participation of some groups. Improving equity involved increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within society.
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be–and feel—welcomed, respected, supported and values to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It’s important to note that while an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious or “implicit bias” helps organizations become deliberate about addressing issues of inclusivity.
DEI Vision for NSA Illinois
The culture of a diverse community is one that embraces equality of all, promotes inclusion of all and is one that is welcoming, empowering, and respectful of all. When we follow our vision, together, we will achieve the following advantages.
- expansive community
- impactful collaboration
- increased belonging
- diverse innovation
- greater participation
- elevated creativity
- unlimited opportunities
- extraordinary success stories
NSA Illinois Commitments
NSA Illinois will greatly benefit from the collaboration of diverse experience, talents, and efforts and is committed to continuously and proactively integrate and model DEI in action including but not limited to the following initiatives.
Management
Chapter Management focuses on the leadership development of board members and committee chairs, the allocation of resources, and the value and culture of the overall organization. We will value diversity in the recruitment of chapter leadership, with the goal of placing people in leadership roles who reflect the diversity of our chapter membership.
We will encourage a culture of inclusion in materials, communication, and opportunities for members. We will seek to be a voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community as a whole outside our membership, encouraging members to use their skills and talents to further these values.
Membership
Our Membership Committee coordinates the needs, initiatives and experiences for members.
This committee will solicit feedback from current members to better understand our community DEI needs and collect information about diversity among our members.
Continuous work to invite those in underrepresented groups including, but not limited to African Americans, People with Disabilities, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, Latinos, LGBTQ+, Military / Veteran Status, and more, to participate in NSA Illinois board members, chapter members, Speakers Academy, guests and vendor relations.
Meetings
Our Meetings & Programming Committee includes chapter meetings, Speakers Academy, events, social gatherings, and other programs produced by NSA Illinois.
Prior to planning programming for the current year, this committee will solicit feedback from current members and event attendees about each person’s needs for their business and incorporate feedback into planning efforts.
The Meetings Committee commits to include and provide a diverse and equitable line-up of speakers, topics, and locations to appeal to all members and guests of our chapter.
Locations
As a subset to the Meetings Committee, and in addition to diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives, the Meetings Committee and Chapter Executive Director will ensure that all in-person and on-line programs offered by NSA Illinois will be held in locations or use software where people of all abilities will have access and be able to participate as desired.
Marketing
Our Marketing & Communications Committee efforts include website management, social media management, newsletters, blogs, brochures, and media.
Planning for the current year, this committee will evaluate how diversity, equity and inclusion has been executed throughout the previous year to ensure the current year is supporting the NSA Illinois DEI Vision.
The Marketing Committee commits to executing thoughtful and purposeful representation of our members, audiences, guests, and vendors within all initiatives to promote in-person and on-line Chapter meetings, Speakers Academy, programs, events, and social gatherings.
Money
Our Money Committee manages the financials of our chapter. This committee is committed to providing the financial resources necessary to promise diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chapter, including support for education, programming, scholarships, and other initiatives.
Our Community at NSA Illinois
We welcome all people including those represented or identified by the following attributes, characteristics, differences, and any other representation identified by the local, state, and federal regulations, ordinances, and statutes, including the following.
- Age
- Disabilities
- Culture
- Ethnicity
- Gender, Gender Identity, or Expression
- LGBTQ+ Members
- Military / Veteran Status
- National Origin
- People of Color & Indigenous People
- Race
- Sexual Orientation
NSA Illinois is committed to building a diverse in-person and online community which welcome all people, include all people, and treat all people with respect and equity. NSA Illinois is an equal opportunity organization where all people are welcome to participate, build camaraderie, request support, receive education, belong in our chapter and become chapter members to expand their speaking businesses, improve their speaking skills and elevate their professional development as speakers.
Adopted September 11, 2020
By the Board of Directors, NSA Illinois