Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
UWEC AMA Program

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Program offered by UW-Eau Claire’s American Marketing Association aims to engage our members within the ongoing conversation of integrating DEIB into the workplace. Our program creates a better understanding of a diverse workforce and fostering inclusive behaviors. Activities of our implementation includes hypothetical questions to open each meeting, and guest speakers to discuss workplace fairness and inclusivity.

Year-Round Program Specifications

During General Meetings, members will participate in various DEIB activities. Topics covered will include:

• Defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging / Why it is important in the workplace

• Understanding the difference between Diversity and Inclusion

• Raising awareness of unconscious bias

• Allyship encouragement

• Microaggressions and Inclusive Language

• Supporting Gender Identity and Expression 

• Bystander Intervention 

• Discussion of Privilege

• Companies’ relationships with DEIB 

• Creating an inclusive culture

Article of the Month
"Not Another White Christmas: How Advertising Has Progressed Its Representation"
https://www.adweek.com/creativity/not-another-white-christmas-how-advertising-has-progressed-its-representation/ 

Reporting Bias Incidents
UW Eau Claire is committed to each individual’s right to a safe living, learning, and working environment. The Bias Incident Reporting Team (BIRT) – comprised of students, staff, and faculty, provides an opportunity to share, document, and annually track campus bias incidents, while ensuring targets of bias receive immediate support.
https://www.uwec.edu/edi-student-affairs/bias-incident-response/

Summary

This article by Stephen Lepitak analyzes the progression advertising has made during the holiday season. For decades, Christmas has looked like it is only celebrated by “white, straight, middle-class families.” Now, we see much more inclusivity and diversity within each campaign. Much of this momentum toward greater representation on screens and in the paper was driven by Nadya Powell and her creation of the #ChristmasSOwhite campaign. Powell challenges companies to do more than just check the box when it comes to representation. Fostering authentic stories within each campaign can prevent box-checking assumptions and stereotype.  Read more about the ultimate goal for every child to grow up seeing images of them on and off the screen in this article published by AdWeek.

Relevance

As future marketers, it is our job to continue the momentum of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging started by those before us. One of the easiest ways we can do this is by ensuring that our campaigns show representation for all in an authentic, intentional way. When entering the professional world, be mindful of how you cultivate greater inclusivity and diversity in your work. Challenge yourself to bring to light genuine stories for representation in your marketing.