GUIDE TO LWVUS DEI MATERIALS, July 2022
The League of Women Voters United States' (LWVUS) mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. We commit to equity for all voters and the recognition that democracy is strengthened by the inclusion of all the diverse voices within the community. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not buzzwords; they are commitments to our organizational mission and values. This starts with the organization’s DEI policy, which applies to all levels of the League. Resources are available for individual reflection/learning, for organizational change, and for wider community engagement. If you have questions or success stories for the LWVUS DEI Committee, please contact cdavis@lwv.org.
DEI Guide – “The Basics”
We have split this guide into four categories and invite you to start with the section that is most applicable to where you and your League currently are in your DEI journeys. Click on the red titles to see the content.
DEI Basics (Policy Rationale, Definitions)Individual Learning and Internal Evaluation
DEI Lens and League Work
Modules
The purpose of these modules is to take a deeper look at the topics we’ve been having conversations and trainings around over thepast year and provide resources and skills that League members can use. Along with a webinar there are links to additional resources including webinars developed by LWV and articles, videos, and presentations developed by external sources. Click on red DEI Module titles to see the contentDEI Module 1: The Whys and What of DEI
The purpose of this module is to offer a deeper understanding of what we mean by Diversity Equity and Inclusion and how it is connected to the work we are doing. They each consist of a short, interactive webinar in which participants are encouraged to pause and work through various discussion questions and exercises.
DEI Module 2: Applying a DEI Lens to Our League Work
The purpose of this module is to offer a deeper understanding of what a DEI lens is and how we can apply it to our work. Includes the PTR exercise, “Preferences, Traditions & Requirements” addressing “The League Way”.
DEI Module 3: DEI Commitment and Goal Setting https://www.lwv.org/league-management/dei-modules/dei-module-3-dei-commitment-and-goal-setting
The purpose of this module is to offer a deeper understanding of how to commit to DEI on a deeper level, use it to engage with your community and your League and how to set goals with a DEI lens.
DEI Module 4: Understanding and Partnering With Your Community - Part 1
The purpose of this module is to offer a deeper understanding of how to collect information to understand the diversity of your community, membership, and engagers.
DEI Module 5: Understanding and Partnering With Your Community - Part 2
The purpose of this module is to offer a deeper understanding of how to be equitable and inclusive in how we work in our communities and lead our organization.
webinars
Some of these Webinars are included in Modules, above, and some are not. They also include links to additional resources. The most recent entries are listed below. Click on the red Webinar titles to see the content.
Revisiting Being Inclusive In Our Understanding of Holidays and Our Calendars
Intersectionality: This webinar explored what intersectionality is, how it presents itself in our lives, and where it may present itself in our League work.
June 2021 DEI Webinar DEI Lens and Governance:
The LWV Governance Committee led a presentation and discussion on the DEI policy and League work through a DEI lens.
Working Across Generations: This webinar defined the different generations, discussed some common assumptions made of them, and offered tips on how each generation can learn from each other and work together.
Event Planning Through a DEI Lens: This webinar focused on applying a DEI lens to our event planning. Additional guidance was offered on virtual meetings.
Success Stories
There are a series of spotlights on Leagues that are doing DEI work with recommendations on how other Leagues can do the same kind of work. For a sample of stories see, click on the heading, Success Stories.