Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Since the beginning of PATH Intl., compassionate and progressive volunteers have led the way to innovation and to continually reimagine and strengthen therapeutic horsemanship. So, when the country was shocked by headlines surrounding the murder of George Floyd in 2020, a black man killed by white police officers, many of our members, board and staff were prompted into self-reflection. We began to wonder what action PATH Intl. could take to address racial disparity as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for all underrepresented and/or marginalized groups in PATH Intl. and the equine-assisted services industry.
The board and staff decided to explore that question. Via conversations with members of color and the LGBTQ community and with others who represent underrepresented and/or marginalized groups we discovered that we had a lot to learn, to think about and to consider. While our member centers certainly serve participants from all walks of life, when looking at our service providers, staff and board we lack diversity. This then led us to work with diversity consultants, to commit to staff and board trainings, to form a DEI member committee, and to develop a formal DEI vision, goals and objectives for PATH Intl.
We present to you the DEI vision, goals and objectives plan for PATH Intl. Although governed by the PATH Intl. board, the realization of this initiative will rely on leadership and commitment from our regions, our local centers, and the larger membership to look at opportunities for broadening outreach, to recognize systemic bias and for building a future that effectively invites everyone to participate in our important work.