Collaborative session notes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G-e8oCl38RUl5WiCrnnL_1eXhTMpdJoA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104358842683409363823&rtpof=true&sd=true
Equity, diversity, and inclusiveness (EDI) are core values of the RDA. There are already a number of initiatives underway to support the membership of researchers from low/middle-income countries (LMICs) and to make new members (particularly early career researchers) feel welcome and included.
In recent years, discussions about EDI have become increasingly complex. In addition to core topics about gender and race, there has been the addition of a wide range of topics such as web accessibility, disability support, financial and mobility constraints, and multilingualism. These discussions often link to broader discussions about environmental sustainability, the commercialisation of the digital landscape and increasingly polarised geopolitics.
As the RDA enters into its second decade, it is time to take stock of how best to engage and support these EDI discussions. There is an opportunity to not only reflect on how EDI can be supported within the organisation, but how the commitment to EDI can be exemplified in the RDA activities (outputs, public engagement, recommendations etc).
This BOF aims to start critical discussions about EDI within the RDA. Through an interactive session it will map some of the key priority areas needing action, and to start consolidating existing examples of good practice that could be adopted (ie. Amnesty International institutional reflection template). The output of the BOF is envisioned as an outline for the establishment of an IG to take forward some of the lines of action to facilitate inclusive and responsible engagement.
