Sigma Kappa Handbook for the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman 2020 FOREWORD "The purpose of Sigma Kappa Sorority is to provide women lifelong opportunities and support for social, intellectual and spiritual development by bringing women together to positively impact our communities." Article II, Section 1 Sigma Kappa Sorority Bylaws This purpose builds on the values of our organization: friendship, loyalty, service and personal growth, all bound by a promise. National council affirms that Sigma Kappa collectively can only grow through the prosperity of each individual chapter. Such prosperity must begin with sound and lasting leadership. Each chapter officer is provided a handbook designed to give her the information needed to perform the duties of her office and assist the chapter in achieving the Sigma Kappa Standards of Excellence. Serving as a collegiate chapter officer exemplifies Sigma Kappa's purpose and values. © 2020 Sigma Kappa Sorority Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS The Diversity and Inclusion Chairman 4 Advisor to the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman 4 Resources for the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman 5 Diversity and Inclusion Committee 6 Important Definitions 8 How and Why These Definitions are Important 8 Partnering with Members 9 Chapter Programming 9 Chapter Statements 10 Tracking Members' Dietary Needs 11 Problem Solving with Examples 11 Sigma Kappa Pledging Policy 13 Why this Policy Matters to the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman 13 Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 3 THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CHAIRMAN The diversity and inclusion chairman is elected or appointed by the chapter and is empowered to partner with marginalized members to create a supportive environment. The diversity and inclusion chairman should help to provide meaningful programming and opportunities for members to increase their knowledge of different backgrounds, experiences and worldviews. The chairman reports to the chapter president. In light of these responsibilities, the diversity and inclusion chairman is expected to: Be a partner with members of the chapter who identify with marginalized groups. People might be marginalized for differences that include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability, religious or ethical values, national origin, and any other aspect related to personal identity. Ensure that every chapter member is treated equitably with kindness and mutual respect. Keep a list of all diversity and inclusion-related campus and Sigma Kappa resources that can be shared with members of the chapter. Encourage chapter members to learn about and experience diversity on campus and in the community through events and opportunities by adding them to the chapter's OmegaOne calendar at the beginning of each term. Strive to be well versed on Sigma Kappa's pledging policy. Provide education to the chapter about how to educate themselves on diversity and inclusion as Sigma Kappa women through RESPEKT programming, external facilitators, and workshops within the National & Global Citizenship competency. Maintain and protect an accurate list of members' accessibility, health, allergy and dietary needs as voluntarily disclosed by the members. Seek guidance from chapter members who identify with marginalized groups, on-campus cultural centers, etc. to ensure that all chapter events and activities are culturally appropriate and are attentive to members' needs. Seek guidance from Sigma Kappa advisors, fraternity/sorority life staff, cultural center staff, faculty, etc. to assist the chapter with any responses to or discussion on campus, community, national, or global events related to diversity and inclusion. Oversee the diversity and inclusion committee to promote diversity and inclusion opportunities and education within the chapter. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 4 Advisor to the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Another resource for the collegiate chapter is the advisor to the diversity and inclusion chairman. The advisor should serve as a member of the chapter's advisory board. It is imperative for the relationship between the advisor and diversity and inclusion chairman be honest and open to better work through sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion and the implementation of more inclusive practices. She can also help the chairman brainstorm ways to effectively approach critical conversations with the chapter. What If You Don't Have an Advisor? If you do not have an advisor, there are several other resources to look to for assistance. These resources include: Advisory board supervisor (ABS) Collegiate coordinator Fraternity/sorority advisor Campus cultural center staff Faculty with expertise in equity and diversity Resources for the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman The diversity and inclusion chairman has resources available to help her be effective in her position. These resources include: Handbook for the Diversity & Inclusion Chairman Current chapter calendar Diversity & Inclusion committee List of names, email addresses and phone numbers Information about campus resources For example: Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Multicultural Student Life, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, etc. While it is important to offer as much support to chapter members as possible, it is also important to note that there are staff and faculty on campus who are professionally equipped to facilitate dialogue and provide additional assistance with diversity and inclusion related topics. This is especially important to consider with situations involving mental health. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 5 Campus resources will vary, but oftentimes there are multiple professionals or groups dedicated to supporting marginalized groups. Some examples to look for could be the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Multicultural Student Life, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Center for Equity and Diversity, Accessibility Services, etc. If you are having difficulty identifying the resources on your campus, it is recommended to reach out to the fraternity/sorority advisor, Campus Panhellenic or dean of students office for assistance. Either way, building relationships on campus with the resources available could be vital in the success of this role in the chapter. Sigma Kappa's diversity and inclusion related resources can be found on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website under the diversity and inclusion chairman officer resources and is also in Workshop Warehouse. Sigma Kappa has also partnered with Talkspace to provide personal, convenient and confidential online counseling to our collegiate members. Talkspace is free for collegiate members to use for the first three months. Members should have received a registration link for Talkspace by email. For more information on Talkspace, visit the programming section of the Toolbox tab on the Sigma Kappa website. The diversity and inclusion chairman should keep an updated document of these resources on OmegaOne. It can be helpful to include office or organization names, phone numbers, email addresses, websites and a short description of the services available. Check each term to see if any of the contact information has changed and needs updated. Diversity and Inclusion Committee Effective chapter organization includes the use of committees. Chapter size and needs can determine the size and responsibilities of the committee. Committee members are selected or appointed by the vice president of programming (VPP) and approved by the executive council; committee members should also attend all committee meetings. Implementation of a diversity and inclusion committee can serve as a positive addition to the chapter. Committee members should represent all viewpoints within the chapter The purpose of the diversity and inclusion committee is to assist the chairman in: Partnering with the VPP to plan effective chapter programming Advocating for the needs of all members of the chapter Promoting diversity and inclusion related events and opportunities at the sorority level, on campus and in the community Committee Meetings Meetings are chaired by the diversity and inclusion chairman. Meetings shall be held bi-weekly and be open to any member of the chapter. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 6 Meetings may be used to review progress towards goals, review goal timelines, delegate tasks and discuss tactics to improve diversity and inclusion efforts. Delegation of Responsibilities Each committee member or smaller groups of members should take responsibility for an aspect of the chapter's diversity and inclusion plan. For example, the following areas might be delegated: Planning educational programs on diversity and inclusion and identification of facilitators for future programs Keeping an updated record of diversity and inclusion related resources Sharing campus or community events and activities related to diversity and inclusion on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis Managing dietary restrictions and allergies Assisting with writing any responses to diversity and inclusion related events and offering support to members affected Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 7 IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS To serve as an effective diversity and inclusion chairman for your chapter, there are some important definitions that you need to familiarize yourself with. Please print out the following definitions and keep them with you to share with members of the chapter as the need arises. Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, socioeconomic status, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. * Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people is recognized. An inclusive organization promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. * * Adapted from the diversity and inclusion definitions from the Ferris State University Diversity and Inclusion Office. What does it mean to be marginalized? Someone who is marginalized has frequently experienced being treated as insignificant or unimportant. People and groups who are marginalized have less power and influence in society and are disadvantaged in different ways. Their needs are often unknown, ignored or misunderstood by people who are not part of a marginalized group. How and Why These Definitions are Important It is important to be a partner with marginalized communities! While some marginalized groups have the ability to speak up for themselves and their needs, it is up to you as a partner to show them that they do not have to do it alone. To learn how to be a good partner to the women in your chapter, take time to do some research to understand the marginalized group. Do not be afraid to ask questions, but remember, it is not up to the marginalized members of your chapter to teach you everything there is to know about their communities. As officers are planning social, sisterhood and alumnae events, there should always be efforts to ensure that themes and activities are not offensive. It is important to be aware of these topics prior to their announcement to the chapter in order to keep fellow officers accountable. While there is one diversity and inclusion chairman, each member and chapter officer shares the responsibility of making the chapter inclusive. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 8 PARTNERING WITH MEMBERS Creating an inclusive chapter environment is a primary responsibility of this position. As such, it is important to consider the various ways to show support to women within the chapter. One of those ways is through sisterhood, which is the center of this initiative. Another way to show support is by becoming aware of each member's needs and to ensure that all chapter officers are making inclusive decisions and accommodations. When considering how to partner with how to advocate for members of your chapter, keep in mind how chapter members may identify with marginalized groups. These include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability, religious or ethical values, national origin, and any other aspect related to personal identity. This section of your handbook outlines different ways you can partner with and support the members of your chapter. Chapter Programming When educating the chapter on diversity and inclusion there are several important aspects to consider. It is important for programs to be informative, meaningful and respectful. Consider who may be possible facilitators for topics that would be beneficial to present to the chapter. Workshop Warehouse There are many workshops on Workshop Warehouse to consider that are found within the National & Global Citizenship competency. The VPP should be planning at least one workshop within this competency per year, so this can be an opportunity for collaboration. Workshop Warehouse is a resource that can be accessed on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website, under Toolbox. These workshops are complete and ready-to-present. Utilize these ready-made programs to reduce the stress of creating your own program. A list of recommended facilitators are included in each workshop. Additionally, Workshop Warehouse also contains a link to provide feedback on these programs after they have been completed. RESPEKT The purpose of the RESPEKT movement is to educate, energize and empower Sigma Kappa members to engage in the relevant topics/issues in their communities. Chapters can participate in the RESPEKT movement in a variety of ways, from presenting programs to tabling on campus to doing service projects related to the topics. Diversity Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 9 and inclusion fall within this initiative, with additional resources provided on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa Website, under the Toolbox. This is a great place to find videos and activities that can assist with educating the chapter in an engaging way. Campus Facilitators & Events On-campus offices can be a great resource to find new facilitators for diversity and inclusion programming. Staff and student groups are often well-trained to facilitate dialogue and bring a new perspective to the chapter. Reach out to the chapter and determine if members are involved with any of these groups or offices and explore what educational opportunities they have to offer. If there are diversity and inclusion speakers or events happening on campus or in the community that are not hosted by Sigma Kappa, consider organizing a group of chapter members to attend. These women can bring the topics and ideas that they learn back to the chapter through an announcement or report. These events could be placed on the chapter calendar on OmegaOne and announced at chapter meetings. Keep track of these events throughout the year to include as part of the chapter's member development programming. Chapter Statements It is not uncommon for diversity and inclusion related topics to become part of the news on college campuses or on a national and global scale. If an incident occurs that could directly impact the women in your chapter, it can be important to show that the organization supports them. A first step should always be to reach out to women who may need an outlet to discuss how these events can make them feel and offer to be a listening ear. In addition, it can be helpful to send a message to all members on OmegaOne indicating that the chapter officers and/or the diversity and inclusion committee are aware of the situation and concerns and are present to provide an outlet if necessary. On occasion, the chapter may conclude that they would like to make a public statement regarding specific incidents if they have a deep impact on the campus and women in the organization. This could include posts on a public Facebook page, a press release, a letter from the chapter, or any other public release of opinion or information on behalf of Sigma Kappa. When one chapter makes a statement, it reflects on the national organization of Sigma Kappa. Therefore, it is important to ensure any statements released by the chapter are inclusive of the views of its members. The National Policy Handbook IX.D states: Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 10 "Chapter officers and members are not authorized to speak on behalf of the national organization of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Any media requests presented to a chapter member or officer should be submitted to the national president of Sigma Kappa Sorority prior to response. Only the chapter president should provide a response once directed to do so by the national president." In order to comply with this policy, the diversity and inclusion chairman and chapter president should communicate with the ABS in order to get any statements approved by the national president prior to release. This process applies only in instances where a response may be impactful coming from the chapter as a whole. Members are welcome to post individual opinions, ideas, or thoughts related to incidents or dialogues happening on campus. Tracking Members' Dietary Needs By maintaining a list of the allergy and dietary needs of the women in the chapter, the diversity and inclusion chairman can help ensure that there is always something for every woman at Sigma Kappa events or activities where food is present. Not only is it important to keep the vegetarians, vegans and women with nut allergies in mind, but it is important to note that some women in the chapter have specific dietary needs due to their faith or health needs. When other chapter officers are planning events with food, or want to surprise the chapter with a treat, remind them to think of the women who may not be able to enjoy the food they have chosen to provide. Persuade them to plan for a different food option, or budget for an inclusive alternative. Every dues-paying member of the chapter deserves to benefit from things that come out of the chapter budget. Make sure all officers are being considerate of this. While we cannot require that all members of the chapter provide their health, accessibility, allergy or dietary needs, it is important to provide every member with the option and opportunity to do SO. Problem Solving with Examples Below are a few examples of when the diversity and inclusion chairman may need to advocate for marginalized women in the chapter. Take some time to read them and think about how you might step-up to promote an inclusive chapter culture on behalf of these sisters. Big/little sister reveal is scheduled for the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Jewish sisters would have to decide between attending this fun event and observing their holiday in Synagogue. The chapter's philanthropy event is scheduled during Ramadan, and it is an event that is all about food. It might be difficult for Muslim members to be expected to Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 11 serve food to guests at the event if they are fasting or observing Iftar/prayer at the local mosque. Women in the chapter are singling out a sister's sexual orientation negatively or saying it's weird to bring a girl as a date to a Sigma Kappa semi-formal. Sisters are specifically telling members only to invite boys or boyfriends, thus alienating gay or bisexual women in the chapter. There are racist incidents happening on campus or in the local community. Women of color in the chapter feel unsupported or unsafe. There are incidents of sexual harassment or assault happening on campus and women in the chapter feel unsupported, unsafe, or might have experienced a post-traumatic response. The location the sisterhood chairman wants to book for an event is not accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A woman in the chapter may not be able to attend if the event is held there. Unfortunately, the cost is right, and that venue is available for that date. Halloween is coming up, and women are chatting about dressing up as "cowboys and Indians" or "CEOs and hoes." A woman in the chapter feels her culture has been misappropriated while another feels undervalued. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 12 SIGMA KAPPA PLEDGING POLICY Sigma Kappa's pledging policy can be found in the National Policy Handbook and states: Any individual who consistently lives and identifies as a woman who qualifies for membership under the Bylaws and is pursuing a bachelor's degree at a college or university in which a chapter is located shall be eligible to be pledged only under ALL of the following conditions: She shall receive an affirmative vote of the membership selection committee. She should have at least one written recommendation from an initiated member in good standing. A woman shall have a 2.8 grade point average (based on a 4.0 system) from high school and a 2.5 grade point average from college to be eligible to pledge. All exceptions require approval of the advisory board supervisor and collegiate coordinator. A woman shall be formally pledged no later than seven (7) calendar days upon accepting a bid. All exceptions must be approved by the advisory board supervisor and the collegiate coordinator. Why this Policy Matters to the Diversity and Inclusion Chairman This pledging policy was amended in 2018 to add the phrase, "individual who consistently lives and identifies as a woman". Sigma Kappa is one of the Panhellenic organizations at the forefront of membership inclusivity. The diversity and inclusion Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 13 chairman can assist the VPM in explaining this pledging policy to the chapter during primary recruitment and continuous open bidding (COB). It is helpful to educate the chapter on how to be respectful and inclusive of all potential new members (PNMs) before, during and after recruitment by not assuming their identities or sexual orientation. If women in the chapter have questions about the policy, the diversity and inclusion chairman should be knowledgeable and feel comfortable answering their questions. It will also be critical to help make all new members feel welcome and included in the chapter, especially because your chapter may be welcoming transgender women into your sisterhood. Sigma Kappa Sorority Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook page 14 SIGMA KAPPA Live with Heart 695 Pro-Med Lane, Ste 300 Carmel, IN 46032-5323 317-872-3275 f: 317-872-0716 e: info@sigmakappa.org www.sigmakappa.org Sigma Kappa Sorority . Diversity and Inclusion Chairman Handbook . page 15