Digital White Papers

I L T A ' S 2 0 2 0 D I V E R S I T Y, E Q U I T Y, A N D I N C L U S I O N C L I M A T E S U R V E Y R E S U L T S 8 qualitative research methods to analyze the text-based responses received for the open-ended survey questions. This portion of the analysis has provided a significant amount of meaningful information that the team can use to chart our course toward improving DEI within ILTA. The process to analyze the text was iterative. Essentially each of the comments made on the survey was coded with initial codes, or basic themes. Then these codes were grouped and reduced until we were able to identify four themes that encompassed the thoughts and ideas shared by those who completed the survey. At a high level, the four themes are: • Diversity is needed at ILTA in all levels • Training/programming needs and suggestions • The biggest challenges to DEI initiatives at ILTA • ILTA should serve as a model for member and partner organizations Starting with the first theme of, "Diversity is needed at ILTA in all levels," the respondents felt that increased representation and the engagement of underrepresented minorities in regard to ILTA leaders, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, conference/seminar presenters, and membership. Specific suggestions were made to help achieve this goal in the area of recruitment and outreach. Some of the notable recommendations included: • Increase effort toward recruiting diverse members and volunteers • Consider differently-abled and diverse people when planning events and booking facilities (e.g. visually impaired, gender-neutral bathrooms) • Consider people with less experience or are not high- ranking at their firms or organizations for BOD roles • Be intentional in the recruitment of presenters • Create affinity groups for marginalized communities As Lena Waithe, Emmy Award Winning Writer, Producer, Actress, said "The things that make us different, those are our superpowers." Recruiting and engaging diverse members, speakers, volunteers, will make us better, stronger, and smarter. Researchers have discovered that creating an environment that welcomes and encourages diversity improves team creativity, performance, and ultimately success. Creating an environment dedicated to DEI requires work, however, and a lot of this work pertains to professional development and training. Executive Summary

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