By Sasha Bentley and Robbie Soltz, DEI Affinity Group co-chairs, LWV of Washington

We invite you to watch The Danger of a Single Story, a short, powerful talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose portrait appears on the previous page.  The talk is a reminder of how incomplete narratives—about people, communities, or organizations—can limit understanding and belonging, even when intentions are good. 

Inspired by this framing, our DEI Affinity Group has begun meeting and wants to share both what we’re doing and how you can be involved. Transparency is a priority for us, and we’ll be communicating more regularly about our work, decisions, and next steps. 

Our first actions are focused on listening and learning: 

• Reviewing DEI-related work, policies and practices across national, state and local Leagues,
  
  
• Gathering input on what local Leagues are already doing—what's working, what's challenging and what support would be helpful.

In February, we’ll synthesize what we learn to help identify shared priorities and next actions. Contact Sasha Bentley at sbentley@lwvwa.org for the calendar invite/Zoom link. 

Our goal is clear: to continue shaping a League which people feel they can truly be a part of.  

Achieving that takes thoughtful change, learning and training, clear and accountable internal systems, and a culture that supports belonging at every level. 

We’ll share more soon on how to share your local work and join the conversation. We’re grateful to be learning together. 

More information is available from DEI Affinity Group co-chairs Bentley at sbentley@lwvwa.org and Robbie Soltz at rsoltz@lwvwa.org.