Introducing MPI PHL’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

Why DEI?

MPI PHL recently announced a committee that will introduce its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The DEI Committee’s objectives will intertwine with each of the chapter’s departmental business plans. The overarching objectives of this Committee are

• to create inclusive operations and procedures which will be responsible for reviewing our bylaws and examine how we operate
• to develop/refine resources that will assist our leaders’ effectiveness, and contribute to the chapter’s business strategy
• to foster and build relationships with diverse groups that will increase engagement and grow our membership

Plans for DEI

In the coming year, the DEI Committee will determine a baseline of the chapter’s needs and establish our chapter’s definitions of diversity, equity and inclusion to align our goals with the needs of our chapter. We will use the survey results to assist in Chapter governance and establish DEI metrics and goals. 

Our committee will ensure inclusive language is contained within the chapter’s Bylaws & Policy Manual. Additionally, we will further commit to DEI efforts by including DEI metrics for our external relationships through the RFP and vendor process. We believe this will create a more welcoming and belonging culture for our membership, suppliers, vendors and guests.

The How or Why to Get Involved

Diversity has now become an almost exhausted word from mouths of the private and public sectors—it’s the fashionable thing to do. Regrettably, the need for diverse conversations comes on the heels of the disparaging inequalities that have been long-standing issues in this country. Some could argue that media plays a role in skewing one’s perspective. But we have to ask if it is the media or the realities of what the political climate of today has unearthed and mutated in our current times.

By no means is the DEI Committee experts on this hot button, nor will it solve the country’s ill in a kumbaya song. And at some point, we all have to accept there lies some form of concealed bias within us all. But we are a committee who is willing to do some introspection, be authentic and open to the process.  We want to initiate the change in our chapter, in our work lives and importantly ourselves. Please join us in fostering an environment that is diverse, inclusive and collaborative.

Now in the month of celebrating Black History, I’m reminded of one of the most prominent figures in civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As we have learned from one stage or another in our lives, Dr. King sought equality and human rights for African Americans. But if you were to peruse any of his speeches, the call to action of empathy would resonate with any race, religion, gender, culture, orientation or identification of self.

In closing, here’s an amended excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have A Dream Speech. “With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony” of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.  Let’s all be committed to equality because everyone is welcome to sit at the MPI PHL table. 

Shawn Clary
Director, DEI Committee
MPI PHL