Here’s a number that every government relations professional should take to heart: two out of three companies, associations and other organizations now have a formal, organization-wide plan to address diversity, equity and inclusion.
It does not stop there. Roughly 59% of organizations incorporate DEI goals into their larger strategic plans and one in 10 even have plans for individual teams and departments, according to the 2021 DEI Trends in Public Affairs Report.
A majority (57%) have one or more staff members dedicated solely to DEI initiatives.
The message is clear: DEI is not something effective government relations teams can ignore. Rather, diversity efforts represent an opportunity to play a leadership role and foster a DEI culture in your organization and your industry. By making strategic changes to how your organization conducts advocacy, how it engages with the campaign finance system, and how you structure and grow your team, you can realize tangible benefits and, more importantly, help advance a culture that leads with DEI and makes a positive impact in the communities where you
operate.