DEI Matters
AAUW values DIVERSITY and all the ways we may differ. We promote EQUITY: the freedom from bias and favoritism. We are dedicated to building and sustaining INCLUSION. There are no barriers to full participation in AAUW. No matter the age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geographical location, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, ALL ARE WELCOME. (Adapted from AAUW’s Diversity Statement.)
Read AAUW of California’s DEI Strategic Plan.
We Invite YOU to Go On A Journey
“AAUW seeks to promote inclusion and awareness for all members to create an equitable, sustainable and inclusive membership reflective of today’s world. . . AAUW is dedicated to helping members become more comfortable sharing their perspectives outside of diversity trainings and to address diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of their work and lives. We seek to encourage ongoing dialogue that will inspire all members to bring these values to their personal and professional interactions. . . We encourage all members to seek ways to incorporate inclusive practices into their branches and daily life.” – From AAUW DEI Toolkit
DEI is a journey, not a destination. And each of us is in the driver’s seat. Explore on your own. Take this “road trip” and make a visit at each stop.
1) WATCH a film.
Hidden Figures: “Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination.” – IMDB
RBG: “The exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” – IMDB
The Farewell: “A Chinese family discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live and decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies.” – IMDB
Dolores: “Meet the indomitable Dolores Huerta, who led the fight for racial and labor justice.” – PBS
Milk: “The story of American gay activist Harvey Milk, who fought for gay rights and was elected as California’s first openly gay official.” – IMDB
Hale: “Hale Zukas, 73, has had cerebral palsy since birth. He attended the University of California at Berkeley during the height of the Free Speech Movement.” – IMDB
Won’t You Be My Neighbor: “An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers.” – IMDB
Explore more films at UC Berkeley’s List of Documentaries and Movies and UC Irvine’s extensive Film Library.
2) READ a book, an article, a short story, or a poem.
Start (or continue) at: The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong, Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us and Why It Matters by James Zogby, or If They Come for Us: Poems by Fatimah Asghar.
Or take a deep dive into these collections:
- UC Berkeley’s Books, Articles, and Other Writings
- Harvard University’s Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Library
- The American Library Association’s Inclusive Booklists (includes children’s books)
3) EXAMINE your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
What is unconscious bias? What does a microaggression look like? What does it mean to be privileged? Why does intersectionality matter?
4) PRACTICE what you learn at home, work, and school and in AAUW activities.
Help to create an inclusive space. Be an ALLY. Have that difficult conversation with your friend, family member, or colleague. Get empowered! Join AAUW and advocate for gender equity. Explore more at AAUW’s DEI Toolkit. Learn how to use your voice and Take Action.
