P2P

42 P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 and analyzing the results of ILTA's inaugural Climate Survey. In working to draft a comprehensive and truly representative survey, the DEITF got its first taste of just how challenging and, at times downright gut wrenching, the tasks ahead would be. We wanted the survey to be truly inclusive by reflecting all of the possible attributes and characteristics that members of our community might identify with and challenges they might face; at the same time, we needed the survey to be focused on ILTA's community and of reasonable length. Balancing the two was no easy task. After weeks of considering, revising and polishing, the survey went out to the entire ILTA and broader legal technology community. The results were somewhat enlightening in three main respects. First, respondents across all affinity groups reported a positive view of ILTA both overall and regarding DEI, seeing ILTA as generally "accepting people as their authentic selves." Although pleased by the overall positive outlook the results expressed, we suspected that this might not tell the whole story. Along with anecdotal evidence and individuals' personal experiences shared over time, responses to the survey's free-text and open-ended questions revealed concerns, with some respondents indicating a need for increased engagement and representation of underrepresented minorities in leadership and volunteer roles, staff, Board of Directors, and as conference and seminar presenters. Likewise, statistics collected over the years demonstrate a lack of diversity in levels of engagement and participation in, for instance, volunteer leadership roles and speaking opportunities. Second, a disappointingly low proportion of the community participated, with only 144 responses received. Coupled with the above observations, the very low response rate itself raised concerns: Might this signify that some members do not feel included or believe that their voices matter? Third, a few respondents asked what any of this has to do with ILTA. With this question top of mind, the DEITF decided on an early initiative, namely a four-part series of Peer to Peer articles that together answer the what, why and how of diversity, equity and inclusion in ILTA's context. In this first article in the series, we address what, specifically what we mean by diversity, equity and inclusion. The remaining articles will talk about why diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to the legal technology industry, why this matters to the ILTA community, and how we can create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. (To read more about the survey, see ILTA's 2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Climate Survey Results.) "Although pleased by the overall positive outlook the results expressed, we suspected that this might not tell the whole story." D E I T F S E R I E S

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