QFA DEIA Update

QFA

DEIA UPDATE

2020, – a year that will be remembered for a variety of reasons. Theta Phi Alpha will remember this year as the year that our BIPOC sisters told us how much they are hurting and challenged us to look at Theta Phi Alpha through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). This is the year that our Black and Brown sisters challenged us to do better, to be part of the solution instead of the problem, and to be a better Theta Phi Alpha. This is the year that the DEIA Task Force was formed.

In July 2020, an application was shared with members asking for volunteers to be a part of the DEIA Task Force. Thirty-seven members expressed interest in being on the task force. Antoinette Cummins, BG, Darcy-Tell Morales, GH, and Nathali Zamora, GP, volunteered as our dedicated cochairmen who led the DEIA Task Force through the important work.

On August 12, 2020, an Open Letter to the Grand Council, Board of Trustees, National Office, and our White Sisters was shared and signed by over 240 members. The letter addressed areas of concern and areas to be examined. The letter served as a guide for the Grand Council and the DEIA Task Force.

The DEIA Task Force held bi-weekly meetings and accomplished the following:

• Cochairmen met periodically with the Grand Council;

• Five virtual listening sessions moderated by DEIA Task Force members were held, with each session targeted to a different segment of the membership – past and current National Officers, alumnae members, collegiate members, all sisters, and BIPOC sisters;

• A survey for members to complete who were not able to attend a listening session;

• Identified areas for Theta Phi Alpha to address;

• Developed a subcommittee within the task force to research information for the identified areas;

• Presented a 20-page final report to the Grand Council that details areas of concern, cited research, recommendations, and information about the passionate members who served on the task force; and,

• Provided a supportive space for DEIA Task Force members.

The Grand Council appreciates the work of the DEIA Task Force. Many of the recommendations are high priority in our strategic plan. As a result of the task force, Theta Phi Alpha will be forming a DEIA standing committee.

The Grand Council thanks our members who brought concerns to our attention. We recognize that our Black and Brown sisters face challenges that are often unseen or acknowledged by our White sisters. We are committed to making Theta Phi Alpha better for all members and acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion, and access will need to be continually addressed for Theta Phi Alpha to have a sustainable future.

For more information about Theta Phi Alpha’s plans going forward, please visit http://www.thetaphialpha.org/Intranet/Resources/DEIA-Commitments. A website login is required to access this document.