SLA Inclusion Caucus

Get to Know SLA Units

Interested in finding other SLA groups interested in inclusion/diversity?  Many SLA units focus on these issues, have a strong inclusion component built into the organization or just plain feature inclusion as part of their activities.  Here's a few:

Caucuses:

• Gay & Lesbian Issues:  As implied in the name, the GLIC mission is for resource sharing for SLA members as well as to address issues of interest to the gay and lesbian membership within SLA, as well as for all members of the Association.  The caucus website includes links for GLBT research sites and issues such as coming out in the workplace.
• Women's Issues:  the caucus hosts a list for resource sharing regarding women's issues, particularly in terms of how they affect professional women.  The list address is sla-kwom@lists.sla.org.  (For information about joining the list, visit the subscription instructions page.)

Diversity Liaisons:  Many units have a diversity liaison, a point-person who handles/promotes diversity within their group.  To find out if your unit has a diversity liaison (or if you would like to volunteer to be one), contact your board for more information.

Questions?  Comments?  Let us know!
 

Growing number of resource groups for gay employees

The Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required) reports on the growing number of employee network groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered employees. Beginning in the early 1990's, employers created network groups for their gay staffers to improve retention, build diversity, and foster inclusion while being careful to provide recognition and resources equal that of other in-house employee networks. Companies contemplating gay-network groups for their own worksites must consider how to protect openly gay employees from discrimination and manage a potentially polarizing program.

Examine the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index to find companies with employee network groups for their GLBT staffers. To learn more about how to create a group in your organization, the HRC offers a resource page.