More than an Acronym: What does DEAI Mean?
Yes, there are a lot of letters. In this series, we focus on D, E, A, and I: Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. Let’s focus on equity for a minute. And more specifically, the difference between equality and equity, and why it matters.
Equality gives all people the same resources and opportunities. Equality is necessary, but it isn’t enough.
Equity goes further and, according to Inclusion Hub, is a system in which everyone is offered the same opportunity, but resources are distributed based on need.
PolicyLink, a leader in advancing economic and social equity, describes equity as “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Unlocking the promise of the nation by unleashing the promise in us all.” Equity gives the diverse people in the community representation, accessibility, and inclusion.
Reach out to where your audience is, not where you think they are.
Free tickets to the museum are great, but are they offered at times that are realistic for working parents to visit? The landing page for your booking site looks beautiful, but if it includes fast-paced videos, bright colors, and flashing imagery, it may be overwhelming to someone who is neurodivergent.
Equity is looking at more than just the price of admission. It’s also the ability to get there, access everything the attraction offers, and feel like you belong. To keep up with a changing and more diverse visitor base, it is imperative to find new ways to connect, reach out, and invite underrepresented people. Nina Simon, the founder of the nonprofit OF/BY/FORALL, explained in a 2017 TEDx, “Relevance, fundamentally, is not about you telling somebody what you are about; it is about you empathizing with how it feels to be outside that door, trying to figure out if it’s for you.”
Equity: A Path to Inclusion
Planning, investing, and participation in public parks have not been historically equitable for many marginalized communities. University of Missouri researcher Professor KangJae Lee researched why people of color do not visit national and state parks at the same level as white people. He focused on a predominately middle-class, Black community near Cedar Hill State Park in Texas. After interviews with residents, he said, “Many of the adults I spoke with were raised by parents who experienced discriminatory Jim Crow laws, which prevented or discouraged African Americans from visiting public parks. Park attendance in America is culturally embedded, meaning children who are raised going to parks will grow up to take their children. Many African Americans do not go to parks because their parents and grandparents could not take their children.”
Laws, location, and safety factors have led to large groups being excluded from nature for generations. Those problems persist, according to a report by Conservation Science Partners.
Dawn Griffard, CEO, World Bird Sanctuary. Credit: World Bird Sanctuary
The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, MO, hosts a variety of sensory nights and LGBQT+ days and focuses on Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion. At first glance, some might wonder why a bird sanctuary is so deeply involved with these events. What does it have to do with saving birds? Events like this are equity in action.
Dawn Griffard, CEO of the World Bird Sanctuary, explains: “Even with access to neighborhood parks, children still don’t get exposure to nature until you bring them to the forest and streams. Let them see what is under their feet. Let them look up into trees and see the birds and the number of species in the world. That’s the first step. The next step is the connection—why do I care?”
Chart: PGAV Destinations. Source: Vincent A. Landau, Meredith L. McClure, and Brett G. Dickson, “Analysis of the Disparities in Nature Loss and Access to Nature. Technical Report.” (Truckee, CA: Conservation Science Partners, 2020), available at https://www.csp-inc.org/public/CSP-CAP_Disparities_in_Nature_Loss_FINAL_Report_060120.pdf
To encourage that connection, the Sanctuary runs programs where small groups can get close—no bars!—to raptors. “We introduce kids to bird after bird. It starts with lots of screaming, but after the initial fear response, you see the light go on and the connection in their eyes. They realize that the birds are not something to be afraid of but rather something they are related to and should care about. You start to see the love.” This love is vital; Griffard explains, “When those kids become adults, they will be able to do something for the environment, make decisions to protect our water and air, and protect the earth. These kids matter too. Every child is important no matter where they came from or what they were born with.”
Credit: World Bird Sanctuary
Griffard delights in the resulting increase in the number of Black people and members of the LGBQT+ community actively engaged at the sanctuary—they visit more, become members, and request more programing. She’s also seen kids with autism able to explore and learn safely and comfortably. She feels that trying to reach out to these groups and including them in unique and special ways allows them to feel safe and welcome. Griffard says, “We welcome people of all backgrounds because you never know who is the next Jane Goodall.”
NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE:
The Green Book once helped Black travelers locate hotels, restaurants, and towns that welcomed Black people. It is no longer published, but websites, blogs, and social media continue to inform travelers of places they feel safe. How can we help people feel safe in our community? That conversation is in next week’s Destinology.
Note: Throughout this series, we will follow the AP Style Book and use the term people of color when referring to people of any race other than non-Hispanic white. We sincerely apologize in advance if this choice creates discomfort, and we welcome any reader to contact us and continue the discussion.
Reinvention is more fun with friends. Got a topic you want to see on Destinology?
Email us at destinology@pgav.com or start a conversation on Facebook, Twitter on LinkedIn.
Tap the buttons below.