APS forms Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group
Challenge
APS is committed to advancing our organizational core values of Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect and to taking action against racism and other forms of oppression. Accomplishing this goal requires critical input and guidance from employees.
Actions
APS formed a cross-functional, employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group to gain employee input on actions APS can take to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. APS looks to this group for guidance on how to continually drive positive cultural and policy change at APS.
The DEI Working Group meets on a regular basis to identify focus areas and set short- and long-term goals in support of its mission:
“The APS DEI Working Group will partner with APS leadership for the purpose of providing educational tools, implementing initiatives, recommending policies, and hosting events that cultivate and foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. The group will work to equip employees with tools to become better allies, advocates, and community members inside and outside of the workplace.”
Outcomes
One of the group’s first successes was to host an interactive microaggression training that not only provided education on this important topic but also provided employees a forum to discuss their personal experiences within APS and their communities. The training was well received by staff and the group is currently identifying other training priorities for the organization, including unconscious bias training.
The group has also identified three priority areas on which to immediately focus. Smaller groups within the team have self-identified and formed within the areas of Fair Hiring and Promotional Practices, Anti-Racism, and Understanding LGBTQ Identities. The group is working closely with Human Resources and APS leadership to develop goals and action plans for each of these priority areas. The group plans to develop training and educational campaigns, review and recommend policy changes, and analyze applicable data and set targets so results can be measured.
Quote
Diversity, inclusion and respect are core values of the American Physical Society. They are critical for social justice and essential to advance science itself. With the world facing so many challenges, we need all hands on deck, irrespective of their race or ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, religion or national origin, or physical or intellectual ability. I believe, as does the American Physical Society, that the great diversity of the United States represents one of the nation's greatest strengths, and that by seriously listening to and respecting each other, we will build a better world.