The charge of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee is to advocate diversity and inclusion issues at IIBEC and in the building enclosure profession.
IIBEC is committed to being inclusive of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. As an organization, we will focus on the opportunities identified in this plan—both as individuals and as a collective group. IIBEC is devoted to developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to bring about meaningful change in this world. We are here to listen; we are here to support; we are here to work together to build an equitable future for our industry.
As an organization, The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) stands firmly in support of efforts to eradicate racial injustice and provide opportunity for under-represented communities. Our association will work together with our members and industry partners to champion efforts that create sustainable transformation in our profession.
We encourage our members to:
IIBEC is committed to be inclusive of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. As an organization, we will focus on areas of growth—both as individuals and as a collective group. IIBEC is devoted to developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to bring about meaningful change. We are here to listen; we are here to support; and we are here to work together to build an equitable future for our industry.
— Approved by the IIBEC Executive Committee, July 13, 2020
In its effort to lead the charge in bringing about meaningful changes that address institutional racism and biases in the building enclosure industry, the IIBEC Diversity and Inclusion Task Force has compiled the below list of resources to aid in recruitment and/or workplace practices.
Why does IIBEC care about diversity and inclusion? Why has IIBEC formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee?
Over the past several years, social justice and racial inequity have been spotlighted, through movements, and activism in response to several prominent events including the tragic murder of George Floyd. During this period, IIBEC members from across our regions challenged IIBEC to be more active, and unify with others in the construction industry to bring about positive change by creating more inclusion and diversity. Initially IIBEC formed a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Task Force to provide a safe space for members to converse about related subject matter and to hypothesize about what IIBEC can do to better reflect our broader communities within the organization. The D&I Task Force was composed of members from each of IIBEC’s seven regions, members of the executive committee, and IIBEC staff. Through open dialogue and consensus we defined our charge which was approved by the executive committee. Recently we celebrated the promotion of the D&I task force to an IIBEC committee. We then collaborated with an outside consultant to develop a D&I strategic plan, and are working on several exciting initiatives to bring measurable change and attract the next generation of talent to IIBEC!
What does “diversity” mean? What does “diversity” mean to IIBEC?
Diversity is the ethos of respecting our differences and lived experiences, while understanding that we all have the same goals and needs for personal development, safety and success. To IIBEC, diversity is the understanding that we are a group of people with different identities, backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities, all pulling together to improve our industry.
How can I support diversity at IIBEC? How can I get involved?
Please contact either the committee chairs André Coppin and/or Szymon Zienkiewicz, committee members, or IIBEC staff. We welcome anyone who is willing to contribute to make IIBEC a more inclusive organization where members and guests can be comfortable, safe and feel encouraged to thrive.
How does the D&I Committee operate?
The committee meets virtually once per month and in person during IIBEC International Convention and Tradeshow, generally held in March. During our sessions we have open discussions about diversity and inclusion subject matter and everyone is encouraged to contribute, share ideas, provide feedback, learn from one another, and develop initiatives that further the efforts of inclusion and diversity in the organization.
What’s the difference between advocacy and diversity and inclusion?
Advocacy is the general charge of the organization to support and represent IIBEC consultant members as a whole, to the industry and external community. Diversity and inclusion looks at the development of the organization and its members in areas regarding social justice to better reflect the makeup of society. IIBEC supports these charges through parallel committees of Advocacy and Diversity and Inclusion.
Some ways you can be inclusive may include:
