The Association Blog

Make your voice heard! The deadline for this groundbreaking survey has been extended through July 31

In today’s increasingly dynamic workplace, understanding the perspectives and experiences of your employees is crucial. However, many organizations are still missing the mark in creating equitable and psychologically safe spaces for staff, namely groups from minoritized backgrounds.

For example, the national organization Candid recently released The State of Diversity in the U.S. Nonprofit Sector Report and shared some key findings about the progress of nonprofit organizations.  Among the findings were that nonprofit sectors are less diverse in higher levels of leadership, and fewer resources were available to organizations led by minoritized CEOs, particularly leadership who identify as Black, racially diverse women, or differently abled people. This has huge implications for smaller nonprofit sectors, including the animal welfare profession.

To this end, The Association remains committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal welfare. One key tool in achieving this is completing the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion survey. Patricipation is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. Here are three reasons to take the survey:

1.        Identifying Gaps and Challenges: Data collected from the survey will help The Association continue to address areas in animal welfare that are failing to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, the last survey was used to formalize our DEI Council, increase training and development resources for leaders, and support emerging leaders with networking and career planning.  

2.        Driving Policy and Cultural Changes: Insights from the 2024 DEI survey can help inform policymakers on the immediate and future needs of the animal welfare profession. This may include developing guides and model practices on inclusive hiring practices, equitable promotion pathways, and comprehensive diversity training programs. These changes are crucial for building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

3.        Amplifying Voices:  The 2024 DEI survey will allow employees to express their experiences and opinions. This is especially important for those who feel isolated, silenced or pushed to the margins for their identities and experiences. By participating in the survey, employees ensure their voices contribute to the broader conversation about workplace culture in animal welfare.

Participating in the 2024 DEI Survey is critical for continuing the DEI journey in animal welfare. It is a powerful mechanism for driving meaningful change and ensuring that workplaces are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We encourage you to take 20 minutes from your day to contribute to building a better animal welfare profession.