Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The Lake/Sumter branch of AAUW is committed to a diverse community that stimulates a culture of learning and understanding and enhances a member’s experience. We aspire to create an inclusive and equitable branch that represents, supports, and celebrates diversity of all kinds.
Lake/Sumter AAUW's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, formed in 2018, was charged with supporting our branch commitment to DEI, enhancing members' awareness of diversity issues, and providing at least one event annually for members and guests to learn about other racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.
After hosting a successful International Food Tasting and Dance Performance (our "member-servers" pictured above), which also served as a fundraiser for Tech Trek and college scholarships, the Committee's plans were put on hold due to Covid. But we shifted into high gear after the murder of George Floyd, offering a monthly discussion series focused on racism and race via Zoom. Participation was free and open to the public. All discussion sessions were recorded and are available for viewing on YouTube. See our Learning Programs for information about discussion topics, other information about the series, and how to access the recordings.
AAUW members now have a DEI Toolkit available to them on National AAUW's website. This resource contains information, ideas, and materials to help branches and State affiliates create DEI programming. And AAUW-Florida offers recordings of their Diversity Dialogues that other branches can also use in their DEI programming.
Our branch DEI committee has been on hiatus during the 2021-22 program year. But in fall 2022 we hope to offer new online programming around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Email the DEI Committee for information about our branch DEI work.
The price of privilege is the moral duty to act
when one sees another person treated unfairly.
Isabel Wilkerson