Association for Behavior Analysis International

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a common phrase in recent years, with DEI initiatives often being at the forefront of calls to action for organizations. Organizations have responded to this in various ways. This panel will discuss the formalization of ongoing DEI activities through the development and implementation of an organizational DEI Plan embedded in the Strategic Plan designed to integrate DEI values and practices throughout existing organizational objectives following the principles of organizational behavior management (OBM). Three goals guided its development: (1) the organizational culture embodies DEI and exudes passion in the implementation of organizational core commitments, (2) the workforce is diverse, inclusive, highly skilled, credentialed, and actively engaged in ongoing educational and professional development activities paired with strong retention, and (3) the organization creates a marketing, communication, and branding plan that is inclusive of the outlined DEI initiatives. Based on these goals, actionable strategic objectives were developed with key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor DEI initiatives. The panel will be composed of organizational leaders and team members who spearheaded DEI initiatives for twenty years and members who participate on the committee implementing the plan, providing considerations and insights on implementing DEI initiatives at an organizational level.

The audience will benefit most from the panel discussion if they have experience working within human service organizations, especially those providing behavior analytic services. Additionally, audience members with familiarity with organizational behavior management will benefit more from the panel discussion than those who do not.