LWV Makes a Commitment to DEI
The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities and policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.
We will actively work to remove barriers to full participation in this organization regardless 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.
LWV Convention Resolution, approved June 27, 2020
We Resolve First, That the League advocates against systemic racism in the justice system and, at a minimum, for preventing excessive force and brutality by law enforcement. We also call for prompt actions by all League members to advocate within every level of government to eradicate systemic racism and the harm that it causes; We Resolve Second, That the League help our elected officials and all Americans recognize these truths to be self-evident: that Black, Indigenous and all People of Color (BIPOC) deserve equal protection under the law and that we demand solutions for the terrible wrongs done, so that regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and gender identity or sexual orientation we may truly become a nation “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Personal Pronoun Use
People often make assumptions about someone’s gender based on their appearance. In order to extend our commitment to inclusion, the LWVNE encourages members to offer their pronouns when introducing themselves at meetings and events. Using correct pronouns encourages acceptance and respect and fosters an inclusive environment. If you are uncertain about a person’s pronouns, offer up your pronouns first. You can learn more about pronoun use below.
OpenSky Policy Institute Series Focuses on Equity and Policy in Nebraska
As we strive to meet our commitment to DEI, we are providing links to an OpenSky Institute series that investigates the state of equity in Nebraska. These four webinars discuss different aspects of public policy, race and equity in our state.
Webinar 1:
Drs. Cheryl Logan, Donna Polk and Erin Feichtinger and state Sen. Danielle Conrad discuss the current state of race and ethnic equity in Nebraska regarding K-12 education, health care, housing and corrections.
Webinar 2:
Mike Leachman, vice president for state fiscal policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Palma Joy Strand of Creighton University; Dr. Mark Foxall, community service associate at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and former director of the Douglas County Corrections Department; and Abbie Kretz, lead organizer at the Heartland Workers Center; discuss how historical policies have impacted racial and ethnic equity in the areas of taxes, housing, corrections and worker’s protections.
Webinar 3:
Dr. John Hakonson of Lexington Public Schools, Scott Moore of Union Pacific and Miguel Estevez of the Friendship House in Grand Island discuss how increasing racial and ethnic equity can help Nebraska grow and thrive.
Webinar 4:
State Sen. Tony Vargas moderates a discussion about policy steps lawmakers can take to help improve racial and ethnic equity in Nebraska. Panelists include Kenny McMorris of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha; Dr. Mark Foxall of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and former director of the Douglas County Corrections Department; Micky Devitt of the Heartland Workers Center and Dell Gines of the Federal Reserve of Kansas City.