(via Elizabeth Brumfield, Prairie View A&M University)
Announcing the new ALA EDI Assembly!
At the 2020 Midwinter Meeting, the ALA Executive Board charged the ODLOS Advisory Committee with creating an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Assembly. The purpose of this EDI Assembly is to provide a forum for all groups within ALA and ALA-affiliated organizations working on initiatives related to equity, diversity, and inclusion to discuss their activities, identify opportunities for collaboration and coordination, and explore new initiatives related to the association’s strategic direction for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Who’s invited?
All groups within ALA and ALA-affiliated organizations working on initiatives related to equity, diversity, and inclusion are invited to send representatives. Individuals interested in equity, diversity, and inclusion are also welcomed to attend and participate. Volunteers will serve two-year terms on the assembly, with flexibility as needed.
How will it work?
The EDI Assembly will meet quarterly, starting with its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, August 4, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM CDT. We will use the ten principles outlined in the ALA EDI Implementation Working Group’s final report as a framework for our discussions, so that as we share the work we’re doing, we will map those principles to our work and identify gaps in what’s being worked on so that we can move towards a holistic culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What are those ten principles again?
The ten principles are:
- Communication
- Courage
- Centralization
- Cultural competency/humility
- Consistency
- Cooperation & Collaboration
- Coordination
- Commitment
- Change
- Caring
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for the EDI Assembly through the ALA Volunteer Form.
Choose ALA from the drop-down menu. You will have the option to choose from different committees; select EDI Assembly.
I still have questions!
Please contact Elizabeth Brumfield, incoming chair of the ODLOS Advisory Committee and convener of the EDI Assembly, at ejbrumfield@pvamu.edu.