Function
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Committee will work to promote a diverse and inclusive community of collections professionals, identify and help remove barriers to participation in the biodiversity sciences, and promote activities that support the inclusion and retention of individuals of all identity groups within the collections field and associated scientific disciplines*. When appropriate, the IDEA Committee will work alongside other SPNHC committees and support the planning, organization, and delivery of workshops and mentorship activities. The IDEA members will maintain a Wiki page of IDEA resources and communicate IDEA activities and resources through Society social media.
Leadership and Composition
The committee consists of a Chairperson or two Co-Chairpersons, a Secretary and any number of SPNHC members from a variety of disciplines and other SPNHC committees, as interested. Committee members are encouraged to represent the work of the IDEA committee as they participate in other SPNHC committees. The participation or representation from other societies representing the biodiversity sciences is encouraged.
Duties
- Organize and host a committee meeting during the SPNHC annual conference and additional virtual meetings throughout the year as required/desired to accomplish tasks and achieve goals.
- Update the Society on the committee’s activity and findings via the SPNHC Connection newsletter and reports to the Council and Annual Business Meeting.
- Maintain an IDEA Committee Wiki page that provides access to information on DEI topics and connects Society members to a broader network across institutions and organizations; topics might address human resource barriers, professional development challenges, decolonization of collections, racism in locational and taxonomic nomenclature, etc. https://spnhc.biowikifarm.net/wiki/IDEA_Committee
- Develop a network of IDEA committees/initiatives at other affiliated organizations and collaborate on IDEA initiatives for the Society and in the field.
- Facilitate inclusion of diverse attendees at workshops and conferences, possibly via grant funds, SPNHC scholarship or travel-grant funds, or other initiatives, as opportunities arise.
Calendar Items
February 1: Submit report for Spring Newsletter
April 1: Submit report to Secretary for inclusion in ABM packet May/June: Present report on activity and findings at annual meeting August: Submit report for Fall Newsletter
November: Review and update Wiki page
* for a definition of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access see Indiana Arts Commission Accessed: 15 – March – 2021 at:
https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/resources/inclusion-diversity-equity-and-access-idea/
Submitted by Cindy Opitz and Anna Monfils, March 2021