The recent decision by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to remove the word “equity” from its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategy has sent shockwaves through the HR community. It was the topic of a recent Association Chat Weekly Recap and filled the entire hour. As association executives, this decision warrants attention and deep consideration. The implications of SHRM’s move go beyond HR and touch on the very fabric of how we approach inclusivity and fairness in our organizations. Understanding the Decision SHRM’s announcement on July 10th claimed that the change was driven by feedback from surveys saying that the term “equity” caused more confusion than “diversity” and “inclusion.” However, the backlash has been significant. HR professionals have voiced their concerns on social media, with some canceling their memberships and withdrawing speaker proposals from SHRM’s upcoming Inclusion Conference. The reaction underscores a critical question: Are we, as leaders in the association industry, fully committed to addressing systemic disparities, or are we retreating from the uncomfortable work required to achieve true equity? Why This Matters for Associations Associations play a pivotal role in setting standards and leading by example within their respective industries. SHRM’s decision could influence other organizations to reconsider their stance on equity, potentially stalling progress in areas that need it most. It’s crucial for us to evaluate our own DE&I strategies and ensure that we are not only promoting diversity and inclusion but also actively working towards equity. Conversation Starters at ASAE Annual and in Our Community As we gather at industry events like the ASAE Annual Meeting, these are the discussions that need to take center stage. Here are some questions to spark meaningful conversations with your peers: 1. How do you define equity within your organization, and why is it essential to your DE&I strategy? 2. What are the potential impacts of removing “equity” from DE&I initiatives on your members and staff? The Implications of SHRM’s Decision to Drop ‘Equity’ from DE&I By KiKi L’Italien 3. How can we as association leaders ensure that we are addressing systemic disparities and not just surface-level diversity? 4. What steps can we take to educate our members about the importance of equity in creating inclusive environments? 5. How do you respond to feedback that suggests certain DE&I terms cause confusion? What measures do you implement to clarify these concepts? 6. What role should national trade organizations like SHRM play in setting the tone for DE&I practices in their respective fields? 7. How can we hold ourselves and our organizations accountable for making progress in equity, not just diversity and inclusion? 8. What examples can you share of successful equity initiatives within your organization or industry? 9. How do you balance differing opinions on DE&I strategies within your leadership team and membership? 10. What support do you need from the association community to advance equity in your organization? Moving Forward Together The path to true inclusion and equity is full of challenges, but it is a journey worth undertaking. As we engage in these conversations and reflect on SHRM’s decision, let’s commit to supporting a focus on equity within our own DE&I initiatives. By doing this, we can (hopefully) foster environments where all members feel valued, included, and treated fairly. Join the Discussion I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic at our upcoming events and through the Association Chat community. Together, we can talk about these complexities and work through the hard stuff, creating meaningful change in our organizations and the broader industry. KiKi L’Italien speaks on digital strategy and community engagement within the association industry. As the Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement for Big Red M, and the Editor-in-Chief for Association Chat, she has been a driving force in bringing innovative ideas and meaningful discussions to association professionals worldwide. KiKi often speaks on topics such as AI, community building, and trust. She is committed to inspiring associations and the people who run them. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 21
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