There shall be no barriers to full participation in the League of Women Voters on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.

Diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another, what makes them unique. Diversity provides opportunities for a variety of perspectives and ideas to a group or organization.

Equity is an approach that allocates resources to make sure that each person has a fair chance to succeed. It takes into account that people have different access to resources because of systems of oppression and privilege. Equity seeks to balance these disparities.

Inclusion refers to the degree to which all individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes within an organization or group. An inclusive environment ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. It also enables individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, engaged, motivated, and valued for who they are and for their contributions toward organizational and societal goals. Being aware of unconscious or implicit bias can help organizations better address issues of inclusivity.

DEI Lens: A way of examining a program, process, product, etc. with regards to how it is perceived by a variety of communities, voices, and perspectives, and what, if any, barriers may exist that are preventing it from being equitable or inclusive of everyone. A DEI Lens can be applied to every League’s work and operations

As the League commits itself to these ideals in principle and practice, we continually ask ourselves and others within our election and democratic systems if we are actively prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion within our own organizations. Are we living our values, and are those values aligned with the ideals that we have as a country?

This self-reflection may be painful. It’s difficult to acknowledge that actions taken in the past, even with the best of intentions, may have been hurtful or undermined the values we claim to honor. It will require us to be open, transparent, and willing to admit when we are wrong.

Our nonpartisan values for fairness, justice, and equity form the foundation of a representative democracy. Striving to dismantle and improve the systems and structures that exclude individuals from their democratic rights to vote and participate will help to achieve a “democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.”