Understanding A∆K Diversity “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~JAMES BALDWIN
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Regional participation
Participation by age group
Participation by race/ethnicity
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(Not shown: Other 1%)
ast fall, members of Alpha Delta Kappa embarked on a journey to strengthen our organization and broaden our understanding of diversity. Members were invited through e-blasts to participate in a survey about practices in A∆K. The results pointed to areas where we can be more considerate, more inclusive, and more representative of populations in communities where we live and where we teach. Every comment offered by the more than 900 participants “To bring about a was read and categorized by regional teams that analyzed change, you must assigned questions. not be afraid to Beyond the graphs take the first step. shown, religious affiliations included: 1.4% Jewish, 2% We will fail when Buddhist, 5.2% not appliwe fail to try.” cable, and 88% Christian. ~ROSA PARKS Asked if they have ever felt uncomfortable at an A∆K meeting, comments of separation arose. “Sisters arrive at our meetings, and want to sit with their friends rather than reaching out and getting to know someone new.” Eighteen percent of respondents wrote about not feeling welcomed, being ignored, and excluded by cliquish groups. Many pointed out a lack of diversity in our membership, with several expressing the sentiment, “I don’t see people who look like me.” That feeling was conveyed in 14% of the comments registered on that question. Eleven percent of responding members have felt uncomfortable when thoughts for the day included praying, when scripture was read, or the chaplain’s readings centered on a particular faith. Although 60% indicated that “things are fine as they are,” forty percent responded that changes are needed in order for members to feel more comfortable, included, and welcome. The committee concluded that we must intentionally work to make meetings more welcoming. Many alluded to a lack of awareness of their own biases. There was a strong desire for a more diverse membership. Additionally, there was a call for training or education that would increase personal awareness of bias with regard to both race and age. Thirty-one of 218 respondents (14%) reported their frustration about how to recruit and appeal to teachers of different races and ethnicities and make them feel welcome in
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