The Conscious Inclusion Advisory Committee works to promote a greater understanding of conscious inclusion as a business imperative within associations. The committee fosters community within ASAE’s membership around conscious inclusion related topics, helps identify strategic ways to greater engage diverse groups (as well as the greater ASAE membership) in these topics, and develops resources to increase the cultural competency of association professionals and staff.
Volunteer Work:
Attend ASAE Volunteer Orientation in July, Date: TBD. This is a virtual meeting.
A 3 to 5-hour commitment per month.
Committee members meet via conference call bi-monthly for 60 minutes. Date and time are TBD. Committee members are also asked to participate in subcommittees surrounding key focus areas. Subcommittee meetings are held on the opposite months for 30–60-minute calls.
Actively participate in discussions in ASAE Collaborate discussion groups.
Focus Areas for 2025-2026
ASAE is committed to Conscious Inclusion, actively supporting the participation and advancement of diverse populations within the field of association management. Recent decisions from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the USA have prompted many associations to reassess and adjust their programs and services to ensure compliance and/or avoid potential risks. ASAE has a unique opportunity to support its members and "meet the moment" by facilitating collaborative learning and sharing strategies taken by other associations.
Below are key initiatives the ASAE Conscious Inclusion Advisory Committee will advise ASAE on over the next year:
Advise, produce, and communicate timely tools, resources and programming developed around Conscious Inclusion to members and constituents.
Solicit regular feedback from members and constituents through brief polls and surveys to inform priorities with agility.
Host the Conscious Inclusion Summit with key updates and discussion opportunities to help people convene and ask questions from peers and experts.
Advise and support the convening of CEOs/Executive Directors, DEI practitioners and ASAE Community Groups concerning changes, challenges facing associations and solutions they are employing regarding Conscious Inclusion through webinars, forums, etc.
Publish articles in Associations Now Deep Dive on Conscious Inclusion around challenges members are facing concerning Conscious Inclusion and discuss ways associations have made adjustments.
Contribute session content to ASAE events, in-person and virtual, on Conscious Inclusion
Maintain collaborative relationships with ASAE Community Groups (Black Association Executives, Hispanic Association Executives, LGBTQIA+ Leaders, Asian American Native Pacific Islander Association Executives, etc.) and other organizations in alignment with ASAE Conscious Inclusion efforts.
Eligibility Requirements: The Conscious Inclusion Advisory Committee is especially interested in members working and/or passionate about conscious inclusion in associations.
Projects include:
Support ASAE’s strategic plan’s focus on top-level commitment and accountability through discussions, examples, and resources to aid C-Suite leadership with conscious inclusion.
Identify and support communications of conscious inclusion related activities within ASAE and the industry for association professionals.
Support data gathering and benchmarking best practices within ASAE related to conscious inclusion and share our findings within the industry.
*When filling out the application, applicants are encouraged to speak directly about how they meet the eligibility requirements and how they can contribute to the work of the group.
Selection Process:
We are looking for 3 new members for the 2025-2026 term, which means not all applicants will be accepted for this committee. The selection committee is comprised of the incoming volunteer chair, the incoming volunteer vice chair, the outgoing volunteer chair, and the ASAE executive staff liaison. The ASAE staff liaison plays a supporting role in this process. Final approval is from the ASAE Board chair elect.
Applications- Applicants should clearly define, in their application, how they can best contribute to this group as outlined in the above description.
Additional Information:
New volunteers are required to attend the volunteer group’s orientation in order to serve.
Council members (or their organizations) pay their own travel expenses to attend meetings.
Disclaimer:
• New volunteers are required to attend the July orientation in order to serve.
• ASAE does not reimburse committee or council members for travel.
• Members can only serve 1 (one) volunteer group (council or committee) at a time.
Wanda Little-Coffey, CAE