Diversity/Welcoming Environment
When an association values differences and creates a welcoming environment – one that is comfortable, inclusive, and empowering – they open the door for innovation, increased participation, and an elevated sense of community and belonging for all.
The environment we create communicates our beliefs about the people we serve. This environment and the way we offer services are critical aspects of our work to increase access to all who are passionate about the association profession. Most of us understand what it feels like to be welcomed-in a new community, organization, workplace, school, etc. It is a feeling that comes when we have a sense that people want to have us around and that the environment is set up in a way that is comfortable and engaging and facilitates successful acclimation.
Association Forum’s value and wisdom draws upon and reflects the population we serve. Association Forum has always understood that we are an organization where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That is the fundamental purpose for inclusion - to optimize for the maximum benefit from our increasingly diverse community. We must make everyone who interacts with Association Forum feel welcomed, inspired and empowered. We must aspire to work well together, because of our differences, not in spite of them. With this focused effort, Association Forum will fully leverage its future potential to impact the association profession.
Join the Welcoming Environment Committee