The national conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion is a conversation that is also taking place throughout association board and staff meetings as well as among member organizations and individuals. The challenge for association communicators is finding a way to highlight the association’s, industry’s, and member’s efforts to be inclusive.
Three associations that have addressed the issue from three different perspectives include the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association (CNGA), and the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM).
- An article in a recent issue of the NAFCU Journal offers readers guidance on how to evaluate how well the credit union’s board leadership, management staff, and front-line employees reflect the communities they serve. Identifying challenges, considerations, and steps to improve diversity in the organization is provided by experts in the credit union industry.
- CNGA’s bi-monthly publication, NewsLeaf, included an article that looks at diversity on an industry-wide basis. Interviews with two Latina women present their stories and demonstrate the many opportunities for women and people of diverse backgrounds in the green industry.
- NCLM’s publication, Southern City, spotlights the association’s creation of a racial equity task force to develop guidance for cities in the state and look at best practices and potential services that can be offered by the association to help members.
While diversity and inclusion conversations can become political, it is important for associations to position their discussions and articles to address member needs, promotion of industry opportunities, and practical guidance for members.
