Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award (New award!) |
The New Jersey Library Association has committed to prioritizing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by “taking actions that impact policies and create positive change in the direction of equity and inclusion,” including setting goals to make NJLA a more diverse and equitable organization and an environment for inclusive engagement. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion AwardThe award will recognize and honor outstanding contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion by an institution or individual in 2021. The recipient(s) of the EDI Award will be selected by the Honors & Awards Committee. In accordance with the guidelines and definitions adopted by the ALA Council, recommended by the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Equity Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. The effects of that exclusion often linger systemically within organizational policies, practices and procedures. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups. Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Diversity Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. Visible diversity is generally those attributes or characteristics that are external. However, diversity goes beyond the external to internal characteristics that we choose to define as ‘invisible’ diversity. Invisible diversity includes those characteristics and attributes that are not readily seen. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. (Adapted from National Education Association) Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Inclusion Inclusion means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success. (Adapted from Society for Human Resources Management, Hewlett Packard, and Ferris State University) Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
CRITERIA: The nominated individual or institution demonstrates leadership regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion in libraries in one or more of the following ways:
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Use the online submission form to upload a one-page statement in support of your nomination and supporting materials as appropriate. https://forms.gle/mfrBuD3ejGmZXfVc8
DEADLINE:
Friday, April 1, 2022 |