Look around at your fellow members in your genealogical society. Are you all the same age? Do most of you share a similar background?
Are your members getting older? Is it a struggle to find new volunteers?
Are your membership numbers remaining flat or dwindling?
With its diversity plan, the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society has taken an approach to drawing in new members that is more ambitious than what most societies are doing. And it’s the right thing to do.
They want their society “to reflect the changing demographics in Saskatchewan, and they want to provide services and programs that are relevant to the interests and the needs of the people of the province.”
Diversity plan
The society has written a lengthy diversity plan to encourage society board members, staff, branches, and members to better understand diversity and what inclusivity means for the organization.
The diversity plan was developed to create an environment that embraces diversity and cultural differences and is inclusive to all.
The diversity plan encompasses governance, communication, partnerships, and programs.
Equally important, the plan includes key actions and evaluations to measure success.
The society’s diversity tactics are to:
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- Incorporate the diversity plan into its strategic and operational plans
- Review programs and services with a diversity lens; and
- Focus on initiatives that will support inclusivity and accessibility to programs and services for newcomers and indigenous peoples.
With their diversity plan, the society anticipates the following changes:
SGS will have a better understanding of the genealogical interests of newcomers and indigenous peoples in our province and will be in a better position to address those needs when reviewing and developing genealogical programs, services, and initiatives. No one wants to lose their family history, their heritage or that connection to their roots.
Diversity and inclusivity are being incorporated into the society’s strategic plan that is now being reviewed by the board of directors.
The diversity plan, along with bylaws and other policies, such as code of conduct and a conflict of interest policy, can be found in the Home drop-down menu, under About Us on the society’s website.
Kudos to the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society. Let’s hope other societies follow suit.
Savoir faire is an occasional feature about genealogists and genealogical societies that are doing good things. To read about other creative and inspirational ideas, click on the ‘Savoir faire’ category in the right margin.
