IEEE Computer Society Team<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"EDI](\"https:\/\/ieeecs-media.computer.org\/wp-media\/2023\/01\/23194117\/DI-2023-Connection-and-Belonging.jpg\")
A Look Back on IEEE Computer Society\u2019s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment and Investment<\/h2>\n
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As we look forward to a refreshed new year, our team spent some time assessing our values, our commitment to them, and creating an action plan for living them out daily.<\/p>\n
In 2021, for IEEE\u2019s 75th anniversary, we launched the Diversity and Inclusion Fund<\/u>, a program that empowered our community to increase inclusivity throughout all areas of computing. We began by giving grants for programs and activities that impact equity and inclusivity in the computer science community. For example, hackathons that reached a wider group of demographics or workshops that directly addressed topics like bias mitigation or social justice and equity.<\/p>\n
In 2022, we launched an interview program with members from equity-seeking communities, sharing their stories on our blog and Youtube, and disseminating them through our newsletters and social media. In addition, to sharing resources of books, research, and other literature to learn more.<\/p>\n
Since then, we\u2019ve interviewed diverse voices and stories from the computing community. Here are a few standout examples:<\/p>\n
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- Our Pride in STEM YouTube playlist\u00a0provided\u00a0a space for LGBTQ+ computing professionals to share their experiences, career advice, and resources.<\/li>\n
- Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated the vibrant voices of Hispanic and Latino computing professionals, sharing podcasts, interviews, and other resources on issues that touched this community \u2014 from studying abroad to the challenges of being first-generation immigrants.<\/li>\n
- Pride Month focused on elevating the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ professionals navigating career trajectories and being their authentic selves in the workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We\u2019ve seen tremendous excitement and progress around the Diversity and Inclusion Fund \u2014 and we\u2019re thrilled to quadruple our investment and add US $400,000 to the fund<\/u> in 2023!<\/p>\n
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Introducing the Theme of 2023: Connection and Belonging<\/h2>\n
\nHowever, we know this is just the start. We\u2019re excited to build on the efforts of the last few years and launch 2023 around a new theme \u2014\u201cConnection and Belonging!\u201d This guiding-light theme will help us focus on nurturing equity and inclusion through honest conversation around the barriers and biases facing members of our community.<\/p>\n
Our continued goal is to dissolve obstacles within the computing community. Throughout the year, we\u2019ll highlight various communities to bring visibility and stimulate learning.<\/p>\n
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Impacts So Far<\/h2>\n
\nThrough our Diversity and Inclusion Fund, IEEE brings together multiple different equity-seeking communities at different stages of their careers. Over the last few years, programs have brought together BIPOC high-school students, taught computer literacy in rural communities, and introduced other key initiatives. Proposal submission will open in the fall, and proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis as funding becomes available. Proposals should fall within the US $5,000 to US $15,000 range.<\/p>\n
One program to highlight is IEEE CS Kerala Section, which worked to increase computer literacy among the estimated 35 million people in Kerala, India. First, the program sought to reach women, and now in the second phase, the outreach focuses on school-age children.<\/p>\n
Another exciting initiative is CS Assist, a newly launched committee for people to report ethics-based concerns. Regarding bullying, harassment, or discrimination, computing professionals have a place to report these violations safely.<\/p>\n
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Upcoming 2023 Heritage Months<\/h2>\n
\nCome back to this page each month for updated resources, research, interviews, and literature from these communities. You can expect to see more interviews and resources during the following months:<\/p>\n
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- Black History Month<\/li>\n
- Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month<\/li>\n
- Pride Month<\/li>\n
- Hispanic Heritage Month<\/li>\n
- International Diversity Month<\/li>\n
- Native American Heritage Month<\/li>\n
- Universal Human Rights Month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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How to Get Involved<\/h2>\n
\nEngaging beyond simply absorbing knowledge is important, and there are multiple ways to stay actively involved in IEEE\u2019s diversity and inclusion work.<\/p>\n
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1. Bookmark This Page<\/h3>\n
Bookmark this page to revisit new updates each month for resources along that month\u2019s theme. We\u2019re honored to build a place for equity-seeking communities to highlight their experiences and also share with those who want to learn and grow. Follow along our mission to bring visibility to inequity in computer science.<\/p>\n
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2. Make a Donation<\/h3>\n
To help IEEE put on even more events and programs, make a donation to the D&I Fund<\/u>. Any amount helps make a difference.<\/p>\n
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3. Take the EDI Survey<\/h3>\n
Our anonymous survey on EDI activities<\/u> helps measure what\u2019s impactful and what you want to see. We closely read through responses and work to enact activities based on this feedback.<\/p>\n
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4. Volunteer<\/h3>\n
Check out open volunteer opportunities, and sign up to volunteer to impact diversity and inclusion. Complete the volunteer form here<\/u>. From conferences to publications, there are multiple ways to get involved.<\/p>\n
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Walk Into 2023 With Making a Difference<\/h2>\n
\nBy fostering an environment that values and respects diverse human experiences, we can connect to impact equity and belonging. We walk into 2023 with a passion for celebrating new voices and experiences with action-oriented initiatives to engage our community and elevate these stories. Don\u2019t forget to bookmark this page, as it will house all the updates this year!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n