- Question: What does DEI stand for?
- Diversity: Differences that include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.
- Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time identifying and eliminating barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
- Inclusion: An outcome to ensure those that are diverse feel valued and welcome.
- Question: Why should marketers be concerned about DEI?
- Question: What diverse groups are included in the AMA DEI Pledge?
- Question: Why is this important for AMA?
- Question: How can I be part of this work?
Answer: DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Answer: A company with a diverse and inclusive culture has the potential to broaden its customer base, increase sales revenue and enhance innovation. Embracing diversity can enrich our lives, both personally and professionally, and it is vital to competing and succeeding in today’s global marketplaces.
Answer: The killing of George Floyd in May of 2020 unleased an outpouring of intense emotion and created a sense of urgency about banishing injustice and systemic racism from our institutions and organizations. Since that time, the DEI movement has gained ground, and millions of people are paying attention. The AMA acknowledges its responsibility and obligation to stand up to racism and all forms of bias and discrimination.
The AMA stands against all forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and many others. A focus on racial equity is not based on the intent to create a ranking of oppressions or minimize the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, women, people with disabilities, or low-income households, to name a few. By focusing on race, we recognize that we can impact all communities.
Answer: AMA is a relevant force and voice that is shaping marketing around the world. In order to sustain this position, we must remain connected and engaged on issues, topics and events impacting our industry and the world. It’s critical to acknowledge the demographics that are changing across the country including the local communities and memberships each chapter serves.
It’s even more critical to act on this awareness. Each AMA chapter must include and embrace its multicultural communities. We must do better. A 2020 Marketing Week Career and Salary Survey revealed that a staggering 88% of the 3,883 respondents identified as white, with just 4% identifying as mixed race, 5% as Asian and 2% as black. AMA must lead in moving and preparing the industry for an increasingly global and inclusive economy and workforce.
Fostering DEI serves our communities and supports our business members in staying relevant and marketing successfully.
Answer: The San Francisco chapter is already somewhat diverse. That’s a good thing.
We are reaching out to include and share resources with more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Color) business communities. We must all be engaged as DEI is a lifelong commitment. This is a critical time that calls on our community and industry to engage in deep, honest reflection and make necessary structural changes to dismantle privilege and racism.
Join us on this journey, be a part of the conversation, and do consider joining the DEI committee. We welcome your ideas, thoughts and feedback.