On Tuesday, January 17th, at 2pm EDT Association Chat (#assnchat) tackled the diversity and inclusion challenges all associations face, with special guest Shawn Boynes (@shawnboynes).
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KiKi: Yeah.

Sean: But, you know ASAE has been at diversity for a long time you know...

KiKi: Yeah, yeah.

Sean: And I think having a diversity committee and all their efforts to improve diversity within the Association community I think DELP is a demonstration of the inclusion part. We're the pool that they go to and provide opportunities to when they need to have different voices. You know when they need to have different perspectives at the table and there's still work to be done...

KiKi: Oh, yeah

Sean: But never the less DELP represents that we're the pool and for organizations that may not have a pool then create one if you don't have it.  You know we're about 178 strong now I think, so you know over 17 years the program has grown and will continue to grow but you know I give ASAE credit for staying committed to this program and that's one of the best ways that you can demonstrate the inclusion part.

KiKi: You know I love that you mention that too because it is so, it's amazing that ASAE and smart and wise that ASAE stays committed to the DELP Program. But just as much as they stay committed to the DELP Program the DELPers stay committed to each other and not only that, but I see that commitment reflected back to ASAE which I think is an important point to make because organizations that create this pool which you know, why not? Like, it's a very wise idea, you want more diversity you can't always immediately go out and find the diversity that you're looking for so why not grow it, you know. Why not grow it within your staff and create those opportunities and look there for those different voices. But wouldn't that encourage those people, those staffers who work for you and wouldn't it make them want to give back too. And I see that consistently with many DELPers, I don't know obviously every DELPer but...

Sean: Yeah.

KiKi: but with many I see that they are constantly looking for ways to give back because they feel that benefit of having that community. And so, I just want to say for the people who are watching right now I have a poll that is on this chat and the poll question is, how would you rate your Association on its diversity and inclusion efforts? And so take a moment, take the poll, I'd be curious to see what happens by the end of this, of this chat and then also as we're going along this is your action motivation. If you feel like being active and we're talking a lot about taking action on ideas and on things that we care about. Take action and Tweet or share the fact that we're having this amazing conversation right now so that people see what you're listening to and who you're talking with and what's important to you.

Alright, and Karen yes, we can see you. So there you are, I can see you. So yeah, and Adrian says, would love to see more of the organizations we belong to be more committed to understanding D & I and doing something about it, actually doing. So, absolutely, absolutely, it's stunning. So I want to ask you a little bit more about your own experiences with DELP and maybe sharing a little bit about how it's been important to you. Because I know that you've been super involved...

Sean: Oh yeah.

KiKi: And I mean you have, I mean you're about as involved as you can get with ASAE, am I right?

Sean: Yeah, yeah. And I think since being involved with DELP and I say this and a lot of DELPers will probably say the same thing but it changed my life. You know I've connected with some amazing people and built really strong relationships but on the professional side I would say I don't think I'd be sitting where I am now, not in my kitchen right now but professionally in my job right now had it not been for the DELP Program, you know. And I remember having a conversation with Thelma Hart {name check20:20] who's a former chair, the ASAE Board and you know she's been around for a while and a lot of people do know Thelma. But one of things that she said to me, she said, show up, just keep showing up. And that's what I did. I took full advantage of the opportunities that came my way, I volunteered when the opportunity presented itself and I kept showing up and I still show up. But I will say you know, I can't do it alone, I need you know other people to also do the same you know under-represented groups and people. Because when you walk into a room and there are lots of CEO meetings that I go to now and I'm the only one, the only person of color, the only gay person in the room or whatever the case may be and that still is a bit awkward. But at least I'm there and you know that's something that  I will always do is to show up and to represent and to do my best to make sure that my voice and voices like mine I heard and at the table. [...]