Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion

The AAPRA commits to promote, nourish, and embody an inclusive and equitable environment, strengthen our commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, combat systemic and structural racism, and promote a culture of equality for all, through our knowledge advancement, research, education, and scholarly efforts.

Actions to be determined by committees and board, aligned with this commitment.

In adopting this policy, the Academy commits Members/Committees/Board to be REAL:

  1. Reveal relevant opportunities. Gain awareness of the types of diversity within and across groups, and the context in which diversity, equity, and inclusion play out across organizations as a whole.
  2. Elevate equity. Acknowledge societal inequities and recognize that, unintentionally, their organization isn’t a level playing field; set clear goals toward greater equity, and then take action,
  3. Activate diversity.  Recognize and engage differences within the organization and membership. Explore the impact of diversity on perspectives, assumptions, and approaches, and identify ways to enhance the contribution of all.
  4. Lead inclusively. Active, intentional, and ongoing efforts to promote the full participation and sense of belonging of everyone. Beyond policies and practices, it includes the ability to envision and enact inclusive ways of leading.

Definitions

Social justice: The process of the equity allocation of opportunities and resources within the Academy, featuring a mutual shaping of outcomes and policies. Social justice arises from our understanding that as Academy members, we have a responsibility to each other as well to the field of Parks and recreation.

Equity: The assurance of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented full participation of all groups and participants. The principle of equity acknowledges that historically underserved and underrepresented populations exist and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to ensure equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups. (Adapted from UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity; Youth Outside) 

Diversity: The representation of all our varied identities and differences (Ford Foundation) and
“includes those important human characteristics that impact individuals’ values, opportunities, and perceptions of self and others.” (Loden, 1996, p. 1)

Inclusion: The act of creating environments, in which any individual feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in both words and actions for all people. (Adapted from UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, Youth Outside)

Approved by the Academy Board of Directors, September 8, 2021