The Association of Women in Water, Energy, and the Environment stands with those who suffer at the hands of racist, sexist, and any discriminatory systems, structures, and biases.  We are accountable to the community we serve to examine our events, programs, and other practices to ensure that we actively work toward true equality, diversity, and inclusion.  This resolution is intended to articulate AWWEE’s commitment to establish and advance equity and inclusion as default practices:

  • throughout the organization at all levels - from the Board of Directors and members who participate, to the volunteers who contribute, and in events and programs that we develop and host;

  • by providing education and practical, effective tools to help all members enhance their respective corporate cultures to enable their professional growth and success; and

  • in the water, energy, and environmental industries at large

Whereas, human diversity can be defined as differences in race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical and/or mental capabilities, and religious beliefs;

Whereas, all humans are possessed with unique, rich cultural histories, backgrounds and personal experiences deserving of universal respect and acceptance;

Whereas, vast professional diversity exists within the water, energy and environmental sectors; 

Whereas, it is well-documented that greater diversity and inclusive cultures enrich and add demonstrable value to all organizations, industries and society at large;

Whereas, the majority of AWWEE members report significant discrepancies in their lived experience between stated intent and actual practice around issues of equity and inclusion in their professional careers.

Therefore, let it be resolved that AWWEE is committed to:

  • Respecting the individual character, personal beliefs, differences, privacy, and other rights of all, with particular attention on centering historically disenfranchised voices and groups. 

  • Increasing the inclusiveness of the Board of Directors, volunteer teams, and membership within AWWEE.

  • Adopting actionable and sustainable diversity and inclusion practices that acknowledge institutional and systemic barriers to advancement to effectively expand the real opportunities available to all members.

  • Engaging the AWWEE community in advancing the goals of enhanced professional opportunities for all, availability and access to meaningful engagement opportunities, and improved value of the membership experience.

To that end, the AWWEE Board of Directors will regularly examine and update as necessary its diversity and inclusion initiatives, policies, and programming to continue enabling and encouraging meaningful participation, experiences, knowledge, and actions; and

AWWEE initiatives will serve as an effective means for educating and promoting a culture of inclusion and expanding professional opportunities for all, including volunteer leadership and board service opportunities; and

AWWEE members should be empowered and encouraged to advocate, adopt, and implement diversity and inclusion practices to enhance the experience of all employees in their respective organizations and industries.

The AWWEE Board of Directors will monitor the impact of these practices, report annually on progress made, and adjust to improve and strengthen them over time.

Resolution adopted by the AWWEE Board of Directors on August 19, 2021