Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The DEI Committee aims to ensure social justice—in terms of the distribution of opportunities, privileges, and wealth within a society—in the field of literary agenting and via agents’ roles as gatekeepers. Our work is focused on addressing the biases, practices, and policies that prevent equitable access to careers at literary agencies, as well as advancing AALA as an antiracist organization. 

Statement of Action include:

  • Analyzing and auditing internal AALA structures through an anti-racist lens 
  • Providing education and training to identify and course-correct biases 
  • Developing and offering resources to support our members
  • Expanding recruitment and opening hiring practices beyond word-of-mouth referrals
  • Encouraging transparency and promoting equal and fair pay and compensation packages
  • Raising awareness in our work as cultural arbiters and gatekeepers
  • Encouraging not just diversity of the workforce but a diversity of ideas and perspectives in a thought-based industry with initiatives such as the “In Conversation” program series
  • Partnering with existing organizations who share in this mission, such as Literary Agents of Change

Definitions

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities.

Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.

Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It’s important to note that while an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious or ‘implicit bias’ helps organizations to be deliberate about addressing issues of inclusivity.