Welcoming Environment Resource Center

Welcome!

Welcome to your go-to hub for fostering inclusion, respect, and equity across your association. As a valued member of Association Forum, you have access to tools, insights, and best practices that empower you to lead with belonging at the heart of everything you do.

This resource center is built for association executives committed to learning, practicing, and embedding the principles of a Welcoming Environment (WE) within their organizations. These actionable concepts can be applied immediately—enhancing your workforce, strengthening member engagement, and cultivating inclusive leadership at every level.

What is a Welcoming Environment?

A Welcoming Environment (WE) is one where differences are truly valued, where individuals feel connected, respected, and empowered. When associations nurture this kind of environment, engagement and innovation flourish—and real change can happen.

Welcoming Environment Organizational Award

The Welcoming Environment Organizational Award is awarded to an association that has demonstrated exemplary outcomes in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and culture.

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2020 WE Research Study

In the summer of 2020 Association Forum released the findings from our groundbreaking Welcoming Environment® (WE) Research Study built in partnership with McKinley Advisors. This research shines a spotlight on the disconnect between what is identified as necessary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and where these strategies are being implemented in associations. The resources below, stemming from the study, are meant to serve as a guide to help our members implement DEI in their organizations.

ARCHIVES - Welcoming Environment In Action

Samples that helped pave the way.

Welcoming Environment® is a registered trademark of Association Forum. Permission to use is required.