8/25/15 – Ten months ago, a group of powerful associations throughout the Midwest convened to address a lack of diversity and inclusion in associations – from membership to leadership to programming. The work was launched as a strategic initiative of the Midwest Society of Association Executives.
This group has done three key things that all associations can emulate:
- Engaged committed champions to lead and participate in the effort*
- Connected with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to glean knowledge and guidance based on their 20+ years of strong diversity and inclusion work
- Created a Statement of Purpose to guide our work. As we finalize this statement, here is a link to a sample.
In addition, we have provided some very tactical guidance to the Midwest Society of Association Executives, including presentations at key organization events, newsletter articles, and providing a committee member to serve on key association committees.
Through volunteer hours and supporter funding, we have been able to secure strategic planning, are working on providing a training program, and are committed to having a work plan and budget developed shortly.
*Our Diversity and Inclusion group represents large statewide associations, and is co-chaired by Melvin Tennant, CEO of Meet Minneapolis CVA, and Dara Rudick, CEO of Management HQ. Participants and supporters include Dave Renner, Donnie Brown, Lea Hargett, Derek Hazeltine, Carmelo Cinqueonce, Maria Salas, Danielle Shelton Walczak, Kevin Ward, Denny Smith, and Paul Hanscom.
