IDEAS TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY IN ASSOCIATIONS
Conference-Related Initiatives
1) Invite Keynote Speakers of Color for General Sessions
2) Invite Speakers of Color for Breakout Sessions/Workshops
3) Plan Breakout Sessions on Diversity Issues
a) Workshops on Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Staff
b) Workshops on Library Service to Diverse Populations
c) Basic Spanish for Librarians Class
4) Identify Venues for Conference Social Events (e.g., African-American Museum)
5) Locate Conference in Areas with High Concentration of Librarians of Color
6) Avoid Scheduling Meetings Over All Religious Holidays
7) Publish Local Information of Interest to Librarians of Color (“What to see and do” in conference city)
8) Provide ADA Services at Conference (e.g., Signers & Guides; Electric Scooters; & ADA-Accessible Hotel Rooms)
9) Plan for Diversity in the Exhibit Hall
a) Ensure That Exhibitors Adhere to ADA Booth Standards
b) Invite Minority Publishers & Exhibitors, including Vendors from Mexico
c) Publicize New Publishers
d) Schedule Focus Groups (e.g., “how to do business better in your state”)
10) Provide for a New Member Reception—be sure everyone is enthusiastically greeted!
11) Consider an International Lounge, Diversity Receptions, or Focus Groups at Your Conference
Member Services
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Offer 800 Telephone Service for Your Members
Analyze Your Association Policies to Facilitate Member Participation
Provide Travel Stipends to Conference and Workshops
Create a wiki on diversity (see http://wikis.ala.org/diversity/index.php/Main_Page)
Provide a Formal Mentoring Program
Encourage the Formation of Member Groups (Black Caucus, REFORMA, CALA)
Publish Articles or Issues on Diversity in Your Publications & Services
a) Develop a Communication Plan to Build Awareness
b) Include Diversity Issues & Columns
c) Analyze Website’s Accessibility for ADA
Recruitment to Profession and the Association – the objective is a diverse membership
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Provide Scholarships, including the ALA Spectrum Scholarship program
Encourage Formation of Student Chapters in Library Schools (provide seed money, if possible)
Create a Membership Recruitment Plan & Incentives
Appoint a Cultural Diversity Committee
Sponsor a “Diversity Summit” as a planning opportunity for the leaders in your Association
Governance & Administration
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Add Diversity-Related Goals and Objectives to Organization’s Strategic Plan
Appoint Librarians of Color to All Association Committees
Provide Mentoring Opportunities to Leadership Positions Within the Organization
Examine Elections Procedures (e.g., pair candidates of color for positions on the board of directors)
Encourage a Diversified Association Staff.
The goal is to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, comfortable, and included!