State association completes an initial diversity & inclusion conference call with Big "I" Diversity Staff. State identifies D&I Liaison and participates in first D&I Liaison call. State association participates in leadership census to determine where they are as it relates to diversity among their leadership.

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Complete virtual pick-off meeting with Big "I" Diversity Task Force leaders

During this meeting task force leaders will ask a series of questions to better understand the dynamics of your state association, opportunities for diverse membership growth and resources we can provide to assist you along the way.  

Identify Diversity and Inclusion State Liaison

A successful nominee should be a credible and influential person within your state with 3 or more years of experience within the association. This person will actively participate in quarterly D&I Liaison calls and are recommended to report information back to board. This person can come from the ranks of association staff, leadership or membership.  

This individual should have the desire to help move the state association forward in diversity and inclusion efforts and time to commit to this role.  Annual participation in four (1 hour) quarterly calls/webinars, one in person meeting, provides regular updates and actively working with state association throughout the year. Two to three year term commitment.
 

Commit to attend quarterly Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Calls

See above on identifying Diversity and Inclusion State Liaison. 
 
 

Identify Potential Collaborations with Local Diverse Affinity Organizations

Local affinity organizations include but are not limited to industry specific groups.

Industry affinity groups include IICF Women in Insurance, National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), Latin American Association of Insurance Agents (LAAIA), Chinese American Insurance Association (CAIA), and Korean ….. (KAIFA). 

 Non-Industry Affinity groups include minority business networks such as the African American, Hispanic, Asian, LGBT and/or Women chamber of commerce and the Urban League.
 

Conduct State Leadership Census

 The goal of a state leadership census is to proactively find out what the racial, gender and generational demographics are within your association staff and volunteer leaders. The rule of thumb is to ensure diversity among your association leadership (staff and volunteers) is reflective of your membership demographics.

Additional Recommendations

• Connect with Diverse Agencies
  Individual emails or phone calls can go a long way – Have a staff member or volunteer personally invite diverse agency owners to a state association meeting or event. The Diversity Task Force has individual lists that identify minority agencies within your state.

• Meet with local Affinity Group Organization
  The goal here is to proactively engage a diverse affinity group organization in an effort to establish a partnership with them resulting in a new recruitment venue.
  
• Meet with InVEST State Champion
  Giving back is very important to many minority communities. Putting the InVEST program in your membership marketing campaigns is a great way to get the attention of nonmember agency owners.
  
• Note: Ideally state associations move forward to phase two approximately 3 months from the virtual kick-off meeting. Diversity and Inclusion State Liaison calls take place on a quarterly basis with approximately 5 states in attendance.