January 2022

Ringing in the New Year is a time to reflect on the past 12 months and to set goals and intentions for the upcoming ones. Below are some DEI-related actions to help you and your company move towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in 2022:

1. Continue to educate yourself on topics and issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, specifically as they relate to structural engineering. A great way to start is by reading past DEI Spotlights, SEAONC SE3 publications and NCSEA SE3 publications.
   
2. Participate in the Racial Equity bi-monthly book club - download the meeting invitations from the SEAONC website or keep a lookout for the Zoom invitations in the monthly SEAONC Post newsletter.
   
3. Familiarize yourself with your company’s DEI statement and understand ways in which you can play an active part in accomplishing the goals that it sets forth. If your company doesn’t have a DEI statement, consider drafting one and asking others in your company to provide input.
   
4. Join or start an Employee Resource Group (ERG) or take part in other committees that organize DEI-related events and activities for your office.
   
5. Volunteer for organizations such as SHPE, NSBE, iUrbanTeen, ACE Mentor Program, Girls Inc, EAA, etc.
   
6. Join SEAONC SE3 if you would like to be more involved in this type of work and how it relates to structural engineering!