Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the association sector’s mission to establish and support professional communities. Diversity and inclusion drive success within associations and the fields and industries they serve. The ASAE Research Foundation’s research on D+I seeks to understand its impact on organizations and to help organizations assess their own D+I efforts.

Featured Research

Diverse Boards Boost Organizational Success

A diverse membership is good for associations and the industries they serve. The most successful diversity and inclusion initiatives begin with commitment to diversity at leadership levels.

Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in Membership Associations: An Interview Study

This original research report looks at why and how associations support diversity and inclusion in their work, as well as the challenges and barriers to D+I initiatives. Ultimately, research participants report that D+I efforts are not only the right thing to do, they also help leaders meet their organizational objectives.

Major Research Initiatives

Association Inclusion Index

The Association Inclusion Index is the first diversity and inclusion online assessment tool specifically for associations. Developed with input from experts in the field, the Index helps association executives simplify the process of gathering data and assessing their own efforts with regard to D+I policies and practices. The Index is currently being moved to a new assessment portal and will be relaunched later this year. For more information about the Association Inclusion Index, contact the ASAE Office of Diversity and Inclusion (diversity@asaecenter.org).

Association Impact on Diversity and Inclusion in Professions

This new research study will examine how associations affect diversity and inclusion in the industries and professions they represent. This research is intended to help association leaders define their role in promoting D+I in those fields, assess their D+I needs and benefits, and identify ways they can increase recruitment and retention of diverse groups. For more information about this research project, contact research@asaecenter.org.

Publications and Resources