When it comes to DEI, each association begins and ends at a different place depending on its initial starting point, growth trajectory, and ultimate goal. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to assess your DEI progress and growth.

What do Netflix, Dominos, and Beyonce have in common? They were all sued for lack of ADA compliance on their web platforms. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, some organizations risk facing a lawsuit resulting from an inaccessible and discriminatory site platform.

Creating a user-friendly and ADA compliant website not only protects your association from potential legal consequences, but it ensures all of your members can access and gain benefit from the information and resources available on your site.

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, many organizations are reviewing their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Over the next few months, I will be discussing best practices for defining, navigating, and implementing a successful DEI process. I will discuss the various meanings of DEI, why DEI efforts are important as a statement about your organization, and how DEI efforts impact your future growth.

But before we even begin to discuss why DEI is so important, let us start with what it actually means.