Study Reveals Diversity and Inclusion are a Priority Among Associations and Provides Practical Steps to Further Goals

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- George Mason University Law School Professor, partnering with the executive search firm Vetted Solutions, today released the results of a survey on diversity and inclusion within trade and professional associations.

The survey is one of the first to analyze qualitatively the state of associations' efforts to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their day-to-day operations and their plans for recruiting and staff development. The study results indicate that while associations are making positive strides, many are still working through how best to operationalize their commitment to diversity and inclusion:

• 81% of the executives who responded view diversity and inclusion as part of their association's core values. However, 45% indicate that they do not yet have an action plan for implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• 73% of respondents have comprehensive diversity and inclusion policies within their organization, but 70% do not feel that they have effective benchmarks or measures to evaluate the impact of their efforts.
• 84% focus on diversity and inclusion because it's "the right thing to do," yet 55% indicate that finding a diverse pool of qualified job candidates remains a challenge.

"The data shows directional trends across this sector, including the next set of challenges associations are addressing to increase diversity and inclusion within their boards, executive and staff teams, and to foster this same commitment within the communities they serve," said Law Professor Dr. David K. Rehr. "Two-thirds of our respondents are association CEOs, and that level of engagement speaks to the continued focus and energy that associations are placing on this topic," continued Rehr, the former CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. 

James Zaniello, President at Vetted Solutions, added, "We were thrilled by the great insights and recommendations for action that survey respondents shared. There is a clear commitment among association executives not just to see these efforts succeed within their own associations, but to see their peers succeed as well."

A copy of the research is available at: Diversity and Inclusion - Core Values Among Associations

The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University School of Law is one of the nation's top ranked law schools.  Further information on the school can be found at https://www.law.gmu.edu.

Vetted Solutions is a Washington, D.C. based executive search firm specializing in association, nonprofit, and hospitality/destination marketing community recruiting and consulting.  Further information on the firm can be found at www.vettedsolutions.com.

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SOURCE Vetted Solutions