SoCalNOMA is launching the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge (DEI Challenge), as an initiative for architecture, engineering, construction, and related firms to voluntarily support the following measures to transform the diversity of their firms and the AEC community in a way that is holistic, firm-wide, and data-driven. By prioritizing metrics, accountability, and actionable responses, participating firms can more easily work toward creating a professional environment and a built environment that supports racial justice, social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your engagement will amplify SoCalNOMA’s resolve to transforming the design profession to foster more representation and equity for Black and underrepresented people of color.
In committing to the SoCalNOMA DEI Challenge, participating firms acknowledge their commitment to voluntarily provide the following information, on an annual basis, for the purposes of gathering and collecting data and statistics that may be used by our organization as well as partner organizations to develop programs and policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion going forward.
The DEI Challenge outlined below consists of ten (10) actions that firms can undertake. Each action will have a scoring threshold with a maximum of 100 potential points to be achieved across all measures. Participating firms must score a minimum of 70 points each year (40 points for small firms under 20 people) to be recognized as a SoCalNOMA “DEI Challenge Ally” on the chapter website, social media, events, and other public forums. SoCalNOMA will provide support and resources to all Challenge participants to help them implement each of the 10 DEI action items.
SoCalNOMA is launching the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge (DEI Challenge), as an initiative for architecture, engineering, construction, and related firms to voluntarily support the following measures to transform the diversity of their firms and the AEC community in a way that is holistic, firm-wide, and data-driven. By prioritizing metrics, accountability, and actionable responses, participating firms can more easily work toward creating a professional environment and a built environment that supports racial justice, social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your engagement will amplify SoCalNOMA’s resolve to transforming the design profession to foster more representation and equity for Black and underrepresented people of color.
In committing to the SoCalNOMA DEI Challenge, participating firms acknowledge their commitment to voluntarily provide the following information, on an annual basis, for the purposes of gathering and collecting data and statistics that may be used by our organization as well as partner organizations to develop programs and policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion going forward.
The DEI Challenge outlined below consists of ten (10) actions that firms can undertake. Each action will have a scoring threshold with a maximum of 100 potential points to be achieved across all measures. Participating firms must score a minimum of 70 points each year (40 points for small firms under 20 people) to be recognized as a SoCalNOMA “DEI Challenge Ally” on the chapter website, social media, events, and other public forums. SoCalNOMA will provide support and resources to all Challenge participants to help them implement each of the 10 DEI action items.
We,
[insert firm name here],
in support of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession of architecture, pledge to take the following actions:
Partner and/or collaborate on projects with architecture firms that are Black-owned or owned by underrepresented people of color.
Create project teams that include Black-owned or underrepresented persons of color in prime, partner, or sub-consultant roles.
Provide paid internships for architecture students from historically Black design schools (HBCUs), or for Black and underrepresented people of color from local architecture schools in Southern California.
Increase recruitment of Black and underrepresented people of color for design staff, leadership, and total number of professionals at the firm.
Develop a mentorship program within firm or participate in outside mentoring program to connect and support Black and underrepresented people of color in their career development within the profession.
Increase career advancement of Black and underrepresented people of color to management and leadership positions.
Include Black & underrepresented people of color in company-wide marketing materials, social media, and publications to increase representation and recognition of employee contributions to projects and to the firm.
Conduct diversity training for all staff at the firm.
Provide pro-bono design services and hands-on contributions to underserved communities (Black and underrepresented people of color) by partnering up with local grass-roots organizations on at least one (1) project per year.
Join SoCalNOMA as an annual Chapter Partner to support all of the chapter initiatives including Project Pipeline (Summer Camp & High School Boot Camp), local college NOMAS Chapters, Young Professionals licensure programs, and Senior Practitioners continuing education.
Name and company logo on website and listed on all correspondence – Company recognition and sponsorship of all Chapter initiatives at specific partner levels – Company exhibit table at all chapter events w/expos – Admission to all continuing education seminars and chapter events – Sponsorship of all of the following chapter initiatives:
Name and company logo on website and listed on all correspondence – Company recognition and sponsorship of all Chapter initiatives at specific partner levels – Company exhibit table at all chapter events w/expos – Admission to all continuing education seminars and chapter events – Sponsorship of all of the following chapter initiatives:
Name and company logo listed on all correspondence – Company recognition and sponsorship of all Chapter initiatives at specific partner levels – Company exhibit table at all chapter events w/expos – Admission to all continuing education seminars and chapter events – Sponsorship of all of the following chapter initiatives:
Name and company logo listed on all correspondence – Admission to all continuing education seminars and chapter events at specific levels – Silver level sponsorship at project pipeline Summer Camp and HS Boot Camp – Sponsorship of all of the following chapter initiatives:
Name and company logo listed on eblast – Admission to all continuing education seminars and chapter events at specific levels – Sponsorship of all of the following chapter initiatives:
We hope that you will accept this challenge to show your commitment to fighting against racism and racial inequality within the profession of architecture and beyond. SoCalNOMA will connect with you following your initial pledge to support you with the implementation and tracking of each item listed above.
We thank you for your action towards increasing the diversity of the profession and making it a more equitable and inclusive industry for all of us!
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