The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee advances ASHT's commitment to fostering a professional community where all members feel welcomed, valued and supported. The committee works to promote inclusive practices and sustainable initiatives across the society by reviewing policies and programs, collaborating with committees and volunteer groups and identifying opportunities to strengthen engagement, representation and belonging. Through ongoing education, dialogue and outreach, the committee helps ensure ASHT remains responsive to the evolving needs of the hand and upper extremity therapy community.
Key Considerations
Effectively addressing DEI for ASHT and in the communities where we live and work will be an expansive undertaking touching nearly every facet of the association and our specialty. We acknowledge that ASHT cannot address all aspects at once, and for this reason, the DEI Committee must spend time exploring the existing norms and governance structures of the association as they work to develop a road map to guide us on this journey.
DEI Committee Member Expectations
- Work collaboratively with our retained DEI consultant to assess and explore ASHT’s current state as it relates to DEI
- Establish foundational practices for the DEI Committee and its ongoing commitment to ASHT and our professional community
- Participate in strategic brainstorming sessions facilitated by ASHT’s retained DEI consultant
- Provide oversight and guidance of ASHT membership DEI listening sessions
- Provide oversight, input and approval of a summary outline of the methodology and outcomes of the DEI Committee efforts and its collaboration with ASHT’s retained DEI consultant
- Work collaboratively to curate content for a membership listening sessions
- Serve a two-year term and plan to contribute an estimated eight hours per month participating in the following activities:
- Collaborate with ASHT’s retained DEI consultant to explore and assess existing conditions
- Attend planning meetings, identifying resources, drafting work plans, collaborating with other committees, divisions and engaging staff members
- Offer thought leadership for the cultivation of a membership engagement survey
Role of the DEI Committee Members
- Work collaboratively with the DEI Committee Chair, board liaison and the ASHT-retained DEI consultant to refine work plans and schedules
- Participate actively in meetings and share knowledge, expertise, ideas and information
- Respect committee member contributions
- Listen carefully and ask questions
- Participate in defining/refining committee activities and timelines
- Strive towards understanding and agreement on decisions
- Carry out assignments between committee meetings, as needed including research and outreach