Building an Equitable and Inclusive Culture at ASM
Despite 30 years of investment supporting women and scientists from underrepresented populations in science, the lack of inclusive diversity among ASM's scientific journals, meetings, awards and committees signals a necessary examination of our systems, and a shift in thinking and practice. We must build a home where people of different perspectives and identities contribute to the production of new scientific knowledge and talent; a home where these people have opportunities to share their research findings, engage in scientific discourse and demonstrate their scientific expertise.
In fall 2018, 海角社区appestablished the 海角社区appTaskforce on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The taskforce is an external advisory group to the 海角社区appBoard of Directors seeking to do the following:
- Promote a culture of inclusion.
- Ensure growth and sustainability.
- Identify benchmarks of success.
Source: 海角社区app
After a year of interviewing the community, reviewing documents and examining exemplary models, the Taskforce asked 海角社区appto visibly and outwardly commit to a practice of inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA). They recommended that IDEAA serve as an 海角社区appcore value and be visibly integrated and articulated in the strategic plan.
Additionally, the Taskforce presented 4 guiding principles that were accepted by ASM's Board of Directors during their winter 2020 meeting. The guiding principles drive the action to change:
- A diverse 海角社区appenhances the microbial sciences, increases innovation, strengthens the community and sustains the profession.
- 海角社区appempowers individuals with diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
- 海角社区appensures equitable access and accountability through transparent procedures and communication.
- 海角社区appattracts, supports and develops the community, ensuring all are empowered and engaged in the work of the organization.
Moving Toward an IDEAA-Driven Culture
The journey to practice IDEAA is long and requires full commitment from the community, beginning with senior leadership and moving through ASM's chain of command. The Taskforce has recommended these initial steps:
- 海角社区appmust collect information to identify a baseline from which to build and establish targets on par with organizations leading in diversity. Information about an individual's uniqueness along with the communities' perception of ASM's DEI efforts is needed.
- 海角社区appmust provide professional opportunities and resources to raise awareness about bullying, harassment and discrimination, implicit biases and inequities. Professional development must be ongoing and integrated into regular training efforts beginning with 海角社区appleaders and volunteers, and expanding to members and the scientific community.
- 海角社区appmust hold leaders and volunteers accountable. Elected and appointed leaders must demonstrate their sustained commitment to IDEAA. 海角社区appmust examine recruiting, nominating and selection practices for committees and boards. 海角社区appmust incorporate IDEAA into its scientific programming. 海角社区appmust empower all people to achieve their full scientific potential and leverage individual differences.
With these recommendations in place, 海角社区appis initiating 2 short-term activities this spring. First, the Taskforce will conduct a national membership survey to assess the communities' perception of ASM's efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion. This baseline data will be utilized to identify a long-term plan for change. Please watch for correspondence from the Kaleidoscope Group, Inc. which will conduct the voluntary survey.
In addition, 海角社区apphas published a in the spring issue of the 海角社区appJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education (JMBE). The issue covers 3 key areas: an understanding that inclusion is the foundation for the future of colleges and universities, the need for radical changes in faculty support at multiple levels and the removal of barriers to understand social issues and the university experience.
海角社区apphas a moral and social obligation to promote a culture of inclusion in our mission to advance the microbial sciences. The Taskforce is an example of ASM's commitment to move from awareness to action. We must take on this journey with intentionality and accountability. Our goal is to foster a culture where all individuals feel respected, are treated fairly and provided opportunities to develop professionally and excel in their chosen career pathway.
