The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) Board of Directors has adopted a DEI Vision & Values Statement, following recommendations from its DEI ask Force. 

VSAE’s DEI vision is to “build and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive Association that sets the example for affirmation, access, recognition, and respect of various groups, identities, and cultures to positively impact Virginia’s association community.”

In addition, the Board adopted six DEI values:

• Continually create opportunities for VSAE members to develop critical skills to lead and manage through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Create and maintain an environment that allows everyone to express their social identity and culture to foster a sense of belonging.
• Model respect, professionalism, and ethical behavior among VSAE members.
• Seek out and encourage diverse ideas and perspectives at all levels of VSAE leadership and members.
• Stand against all forms of discrimination, oppression, bias, and exclusion, as well as structural, institutional, and systemic inequities.
• Use a data-driven approach to track, measure, and understand the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Virginia’s association community.

“This DEI Vision and Values Statement is both affirming and energizing and provides the guideposts for how VSAE incorporates DEI efforts throughout the organization,” said Maureen Dingus, VSAE President. “I hope it can serve as inspiration to other associations on their DEI journey.”

“There is much work to be done in the DEI space and I’m grateful to the Task Force members who are willing to ask the tough questions so that we can create resources and support mechanisms that VSAE members can apply to their own associations,” said Abby Tammen, DEI Task Force Chair

The Task Force next will develop action items for each value statements to positively impact all facets of the association, including events and education; member, board, and volunteer recruitment; participation of underrepresented groups within the membership, board, and volunteers; communications and publications; and special interest groups.

For more information, visit VSAE’s DEI resource page at www.vsae.org/dei.