DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS
One of the key goals of APA California is to encourage a diverse membership and to provide support to all who would like to participate in APA and work in the planning field. Chapter’s Strategic Plan 2018-19 considers “Inclusion and Diversity” and “Social and Environmental Justices” as two of its guiding values and principles. In 2019 the Chapter strengthened it’s commitment to these values by eliminating the two nominated Board positions – a Membership Inclusion Director for Northern and for Southern California and created a new elected position Vice President – Diversity and Equity that would have voting rights and be part of the Executive Committee.
APA California sponsors a Diversity Summit at the APA annual conference to highlight various issues that are of particular concern to communities of color, LGBTQIA community and the accessibility community. A Diversity Mixer is also sponsored by APA California at the conference to provide an excellent networking opportunity for members and provide a forum to discuss how members can get involved in Chapter activities.
In addition, each of the State’s Sections also have a Board position aimed that fulfilling the State’s diversity related goals and provide a number of diversity programs and participation options.
If you are interested in getting involved below is our leadership:
STATE BOARD
V.P. FOR DIVERSITY AND EQUITY
Miroo DesaiSECTION DIVERSITY DIRECTORS
CENTRAL COAST
Tanner Shelton
INLAND EMPIRE
Monica Guerra
LOS ANGELES
Ali Mir
NORTHERN
Cindy Ma
NORTHERN
Cherise Orange
ORANGE
Marlon Regisford
SACRAMENTO
Celia Yniguez
SAN DIEGO
Jerry RiveroIMPLICIT BIAS AND CULTURAL TRAINING MATERIALS
At the 2019 State Conference in Santa Barbara the Board organized an implicit bias and cultural training. This was a double session, 180-minute training conducted by Oakland based The Justice Collective that was very well received.
Below are the presentation and exercises that were used at this training.
DIVERSITY SUMMITS
Since 2006 APA California has sponsored Diversity Summits at the State Conference. For the past several years Diversity Summit has been the de facto soft opening for the state conferences. Over the years, these Summits have undertaken a myriad of topics and the list below provides a taste of the type of issues that have been tackled.
2019
Representation Matters: A Panel on Diversity in the Planning Profession
2018
2017
Supporting Vulnerable Communities: Lessons Learned from a History of Urban Renewal and Displacement
2016
History of Diversity and Planning: Changing Faces, Places, and Planning in California
2015
Gentrification Mosaic: Conversations on Displacement of Economic and Social Capital
2014
Inclusive Vacations: Making & Retaining Tourism as Job Centers in Diverse Communities
2013
Food Justice: Issues Impacting Urban & Rural Communities of Color
2012
Census Trends for Planning & Policy
2011
2010
Adding Color to the Profession: Plan to Thrive, not just Survive
2009
Diversity in Planning
2008
Top 10 Planning Issues for Communities of Color
2007
Crossing Borders and Breaking Barriers
2006
Adding Color to the Profession
ambassador program
APA Ambassadors are planners who connect with schools and youth programs. Ambassadors are an important part of APA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy to create a profession reflective of our communities and enhance community knowledge of the planning process. Benefits of joining the program include pro bono CM credits and access to national online forum to share resources and form local teams.
This is a program facilitated by the National APA’s Equity Diversity Inclusion Committee. Our leadership above is available for any kind of support and assistance needed by California Ambassadors. If you have any questions or like more information please contact Miroo Desai.