APA Welcoming Environment Work Continues
The American Planning Association (APA) is committed to establishing, maintaining, and protecting a welcoming environment. It does not tolerate discrimination or any form of unlawful harassment. To underscore these ideas, APA launched its Welcoming Environment initiative in 2023, and the work of the initiative continues, most recently with a Welcoming Environment Task Force Meeting on April 15, 2024.
Building a Healthy APA Community Requires Sustained Effort
During its meeting, task force members concentrated on the following Welcoming Environment project elements, which will be delivered later this year:
- A new policy, building on APA's existing Code of Conduct for NPC, that applies to all APA members
- Documented process for acting on violations of the policy, including allegations of harassment and discrimination
- Updates to existing policies and procedures
- Training program and schedule for APA leaders
- Online resources to help members obtain information and training, and navigate new and existing processes
Connecting Communities, Reducing Sexual Violence
The latest Welcoming Environment Task Force meeting convened in April, which also is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), this year's theme is "Building Connected Communities." The campaign seeks to uplift the role of inclusive, equitable, and connected communities in reducing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment — ideas that mirror APA's project.
Additionally, NSVRC emphasizes that "any space where people come together is a community, whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, organizations, or even online spaces."
Learn more about NSVRC's National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Community Engagement Advances APA's Goals
APA convenes many community members and volunteers year-round for learning, networking, advocacy, and other efforts that advance the profession's goals. When it was appointed, the Welcoming Environment Task Force was charged with exploring, assessing, and recommending to the APA Board short– and longer-term opportunities to promote a consistently respectful and welcoming environment for activities occurring under the APA umbrella. The task force submitted a report to the APA Board of Directors last June, which identified various considerations relative to successfully cultivating a refined welcoming environment across the organization.
As the Welcoming Environment project unfolds this year, APA is grateful for the contributions and leadership of the task force: Chair Wendy Moeller, FAICP; Silvia Vargas, FAICP; and Allison Mouch, AICP.
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