Charting the Course: Creating an Inclusive, Modern Sorority Experience

In Delta Phi Epsilon inclusion has been at the core of decision making since 1917 and continues to be at the forefront of who we are today. Our motto, esse quam videri - to be rather than seem to be, combined with our core principles of Justice, Sisterhood and Love, hold us to a higher standard of equity and belonging. For this reason, as an organization, DPhiE tends to be a few years ahead of the general population in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging(DEI&B). Dating back to 2015, through the introduction of our global purpose to create a sense of belonging for ALL members, followed by the first of its kind Diversity and Inclusion Summit in the summer of 2018, DPhiE has been leading the way by listening to our members.

As we move into a new strategic planning cycle for Delta Phi Epsilon in 2021, the importance of keeping our commitment to listening and evolving in our DEI&B efforts, is clear and forefront for the leadership of Delta Phi Epsilon. In late February, stakeholders from all levels of membership, from all areas of North America and from all different races, religions and creeds came together to form a true cross-section of our membership. The group participated in a formal environmental scan of our organization from the chapter level up through the lens of DEI&B. This process was led by our international first vice president, Lisa Condon (Phi Tau Chapter, Rutgers University) and international executive director, Nicole DeFeo. A full strategic planning document is under development at the time of publishing of this issue of the TRIAD.

In the period directly preceding the launch of this planning effort, an important sorority-wide study in DEI&B was commissioned by the international leadership(2019). The survey report concluded, among other things, that Delta Phi Epsilon needed to do more to recruit and retain diverse members, volunteers and staff. It also highlighted the need for more robust cultural competency training across all undergraduate chapters to help create a more inclusive collegiate experience. In addition, the findings of the survey resulted in a recommendation that the sorority conduct a strategic planning effort around these issues.

The International Governing Board of Delta Phi Epsilon along with the International Executive Director charged the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to bring together a vast and diverse strategic planning focus group to develop a strategic plan in pursuit of the following goals:

The members of DPhiE commit to increasing diversity, which is expressed in a myriad of orms, including race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origins, religious commitments, and disability status within our membership. We recognize that diversity of thought creates a richer experience for all. Through centering

1917

Delta Phi Epsilon is founded upon the ideals of Justice, Sisterhood, and Love

2017

Delta Phi Epsilon adopts Trans

2018

International Governing Board commits to Strategic Initiatives at inperson meeting in Orlando, Florida

Delta Phi Epsilon hosts inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force meets in Philadelphia

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force continues to meet virtually and work in the areas of policy & procedures, education and training, assessment, and Foundation and funding

The Grand Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon unanimously passes changes to International Constitution and Bylaws of DPhiE to be more inclusive of trans and non-binary individuals.

IHQ staff and many volunteers certify in “DEI in the Workplace” through an 8 week course offered by University of South Florida, with 100% participation by executive and director level staff.

2021

February 2021 - Delta Phi Epsilon invites community leaders to participate in DEI&B Strategic Planning Session.

Delta Phi Epsilon launches Social Justice Series, a 10 session series on topics of value to women to raise the social consciousness.

Staff attend the Summit Against Hate sponsored by FEA and various fraternal partners

The International Governing Board of Delta Phi Epsilon unanimously adopt the

Resolution.

our value of justice, we will seek opportunities to raise the social consciousness of our members through programs and community discussions.

The members of DPhiE commit to working actively to challenge and respond to bias, harassment and discrimination. We are committed to a philosophy of equity and see the need to create systems that allow all members to thrive in our sorority. DPhiE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or religion.

The members of DPhiE commit to pursuing deliberate efforts to ensure that our sorority is a place where differences are welcomed, where different perspectives are respectfully heard and where every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. We know that by building a vibrant community of inclusiveness, we can more effectively leverage the resources of diversity to advance our collective capabilities.

During the planning process, three major strategies were identified. • Create strategic partnerships outside of the fraternity & sorority life industry that supplement and uplift the work of DEI&B • Increase transparency and visibility of DEI work across all levels of the sorority to allow engagement from members from the chapter level to the leadership.

• Build chapter training and educational resources to enable the creation of a lived experience of belonging within the collegiate experience in DPhiE.

Tactics for implementation are being developed in each of these areas. Once complete the full DEI&B Strategic Plan will be released to the membership and will be available via our website at www. dphie.org. DPhiE leadership is proud to introduce the beginnings of this plan to our membership and community beyond. It is important to stress that this is both our charted course and a commitment. It’s one important step in our journey, but it is far from the end of our pledge to create an inclusive sorority experience for all members. We will continue to assess our progress, share what went well, what failed, test new ideas and have difficult conversations about tough issues. We will listen, and we will learn as we move forward—in community together. If you would like to volunteer to work on the initiatives outlined in this article, please visit our website www.dphie.org/ volunteers and submit an interest form.

To learn about the progress made in our strategic efforts from last quarter watch International President Roxanne Donovan(Gamma Chapter, Syracuse University) and International First Vice President Lisa Condon(Phi Tau Chapter, Rutgers University-Camden) share

Online Leadership Team training materials created with subtitles and manuscripts

Consultant Jennifer Stollman is contracted to facilitate large-scale DEI membership assessment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion survey launches

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion survey results reviewed with Executive Staff

2019

Optional pronoun field added to membership database

DEI Committee begins work on Anti-Racist Resolution

IGB and Executive Director engage TranArrowsmith, attorneys specializing in Trans and NonBinary law to prepare for policy defense and advocacy

2020

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force sunsets for rise of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion standing committee to begin “ever-green” intiatives and center DEI&B work.

International Governing Board meets to discuss Non-Binary Membership policy with guest facilitator Jennifer Stollman

Executive Staff attended Advancing Inclusion in the C-Suite program through the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

International Headquarters Staff participate in sensitivity training