Equity Officer Institute

The work of the Equity Officers Institute supports the ICMA Executive Board’s statement regarding systemic racism and the action steps announced in June 2020. Among other steps, the board specifically committed to “Engage our members and partners in a process of listening to understand what our profession needs in order to deliver on the work of our mission and vision through the lens of equity and inclusion.”

There is no cost to join the Equity Officers Institute; however, a commitment to full participation and contribution of knowledge and expertise is expected. As a member, you may receive a complementary full year of membership, at the affiliate level* in ICMA and all the benefits associated with membership. Virtual meetings will be held monthly for two hours (12:30-2:30 p.m. ET) on the third Thursday of each month. (*Complimentary membership applies to department heads/staff only).

During monthly meetings, team members will get to know each other and share and expand their understanding of equity. As a member of the EOI, you will be involved in promoting the understanding and application of equity, inclusion, social justice, and accessibility in local government. This work might include sharing a significant policy, writing an article for Public Management magazine, conducting a workshop, serving on an equity panel, becoming part of the “Ask an Equity Manager” response team, or other activities.

Based on the interests of the group, ICMA will provide participants with content to address interests, challenges, and needs. For example:

Meeting 1: Connection before content: Getting to know you as a person and what you value.

Meeting 2: Creating agreements: What is our definition of equity? What challenges do we face?

Meeting 3: Spotlight: At each meeting, two members will share the history of race in their community and the current culture and challenges. Content in the form of a speaker or pre-reading and discussion during the session will focus on the challenges identified at the second meeting.

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

- James Baldwin

Institute Purpose: To create a cohort of equity officers and others who will actively participate in an ongoing conversation, share challenges and successes, and promote the understanding and application of equity and inclusion in local government and in the broader arena.

Participants will be representative of the diversity within ICMA localities and will currently be equity officers (or the equivalent); serve in the equity officer's office; serve to increase an understanding of equity, race, and inclusion at the manager, assistant, or deputy level to create work that will have the greatest impact on communities. Some exceptions may apply.

Equity Officer Cohort 2020-21 | 2021 Equity Summit: Moving the Needle: Advancing Racial Equity in Local Government
Equity Officer Cohort 2021-22 | 2022 Equity Summit: Ready or Not! Moving from DIscourse to Action
Equity Officer Cohort 2022-23 | 2023 Equity Summit: Weaving Equity into the Fabric of Local Government
Equity Officer Cohort 2023-24

How to Apply

The application period is ope through November 1. Submit your application, and we will contact you when we reopen the process.

Questions? Contact speakup@icma.org

First Name

Last Name

Title

Organization

Email

Phone

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

How many years of DEI experience do you have?

Is DEI your primary job responsibility?

Please comment.

Are you an ICMA member?

If you are not an ICMA member, a one-year complimentary membership will be extended to those at the affiliate level (department head/staff).

Please list memberships in any other affiliate organizations.

Please select your city/county/town population size.

Do you have the support of your CAO/Manager/Supervisor to participate in the Institute?

If not, how can we help?

How did you hear about the ICMA Equity Officers Institute?

If other, please specify.

What is the highest level of education that you have achieved?

Please list any certifications you have.

How do you describe your gender identity?

Do you identify as LGBTQ+?

How do you describe your racial or ethnic identity?

Please indicate your military status.

Do you have any physical challenges that require accessibility accommodation?

If yes, please describe.

Please respond to the following question:

During your time in the Institute, what kinds of problems in your community are you interested in solving, or what sort of causes might you seek to advance? How will being an ICMA Equity Officer Institute participant help you to eventually execute on your goals in a way you are not currently equipped? (Maximum 350 words)

Non-Discrimination Statement

ICMA does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, citizenship or naturalization status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, income or economic status, marital or family status, or any other legally protected class or affiliation.

The application process is highly competitive. Your answers to the following question will be a key factor in successful selection. Your answer should not be more than 350 words. To create the strongest cohort the selection committee will be looking at experience and where you and your community are in this journey.

Topics

Equity & Inclusion Social Justice