by Edward Ransom
Diversity, equity and inclusion…we have all heard these terms the last few years, but what does it really mean to you and your firm? Are you already pursuing these lofty goals? Or are you still floundering in attempts to define how your firm will incorporate these objectives?
If so, your attempts are supported by recent studies which have shown that an increase in workplace diversity is a good business decision; that diverse teams simply become smarter. Working with people who are different will challenge your staff to overcome outmoded ways of thinking and sharpen their level of performance. But what are the best practices to achieve the diversity you may be seeking?
BosNOMA, the Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, may have a solution that will fit your organization. This month, BosNOMA is launching the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge (DEI Challenge) as an initiative for architecture, engineering, construction, and related firms to voluntarily support measures to transform the diversity within their firms, and the AEC community, with a solution that is designed to be holistic, firm-wide, and data-driven.
NOMA has requested that all of its 34 chapters engage firms in their local areas to support this initiative. The intent is to foster a safe and positive environment for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within our industry, to encourage more minorities to enter the profession and to remain in it, ultimately improving the overall diversity of our industry as well as providing a clear path for BIPOCs to move toward leadership roles.
The challenge is based on voluntary engagement and it shall prioritize metrics, accountability, and actionable responses to requirements that are intended to provide a model by which participating firms can more easily work toward creating a professional environment, as well as a built environment, that supports racial justice, social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In committing to the BosNOMA DEI Challenge, participating firms acknowledge their pledge to voluntarily provide information on an annual basis on 14 specific requirements of the program. The overall purpose is to collect data and statistics that may be used by the participating firms, BosNOMA, and partner organizations to refine the program and develop policies that help participants to support the challenge going forward, to foster more representation by Black and other underrepresented people of color.
As a part of this challenge, BosNOMA shall:
- Schedule an “intake” meeting with you and a DEI coordinator to collect baseline documentation and provide resources for implementation.
- Provide resources and references as needed to support your firm’s progress on each action item.
- List all participating firms on the BosNOMA website as DEI Partners.
- Conduct quarterly check-ins between participating firms and DEI coordinators to assess progress and provide support.
- Collect metrics on an annual basis (calendar year) from each participant.
If you would like further information, or wish to be a participating firm or volunteer, please contact me at Edward.ransom@noma.net or northeastregion@noma.net.
Edward Ransom
Edward Ransom, AIA, NOMA, CCM, LEED AP, BOC Lvl. 1 is vice president, Northeast Region at National Organization of Minority Architects, based in Washington, D.C.
