Volunteers may not serve on more than one committee at a time. This is to ensure there are volunteer opportunities available for other CPCU Society members who wish to contribute.
PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee advances diversity and inclusiveness issues throughout the Society, placing value on all individuals and the different perspectives they bring. The committee is responsible for providing education and resources to help members gain the skills necessary to meet the needs of and reflect the diverse communities within the industry, their own organizations and the customers they serve.
DELIVERABLES:
- Develop recommendation for an organizational diversity and inclusion policy. Once approved, publish and actively promote the policy.
- Develop and provide education and resources to enhance and improve awareness of diversity and inclusion for all Society members, their organizations and the customers they serve;
- Enhance cultural awareness and competency of members;
- Serve as a liaison to CPCU chapters, interest groups and other components within the association to promote active diversity and inclusion participation;
- Maximize opportunities for each individual to contribute to the organization’s goals by actively ensuring a fully diverse body of staff and volunteer participants in appointments to task forces, special projects, decision-making activities and leadership roles when possible;
- Raise awareness of existing formal and informal barriers to diversity and inclusion within the Society and recommend changes to the Leadership Council; and
- Increase recruitment, retention, mentoring and engagement of diverse members within the Society.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- The IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee is a committee of the Leadership Council;
- Committee members meet either virtually or in-person at least (8) times per year. The committee may also conduct some of its business by e-mail;
- For succession planning, committee members are responsible for identifying qualified successors who are diverse and a good fit for the committee’s purpose and goals.
IDEA: INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY and AWARENESS COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP:
The IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee Chair is appointed by the Society President, subject to approval by the Leadership Council. The committee chair, in collaboration with the Leadership Council liaison, is responsible for the overall direction and management of the committee.
Preference will be given to an individual who has served on the IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee, who has the support of their employer and has knowledge of Society structure and its volunteers.
The Staff Liaison serves as an advocate and resource to enable the IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee to fulfill its charge and accomplish its goals. The liaison serves as a bridge between staff and governance, advises the chair and members, and assists by providing strategic advice and facilitating communications, action, and collaboration.
The Chair, in collaboration with the staff liaison, will select a vice-chair. The vice chair will serve as the chair in the event the committee chair cannot attend or participate in a meeting. Selection of a vice-chair does not guarantee the individual will be appointed to the chair position when vacant.
COMPOSITION:
The IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee shall consist of a maximum of twelve members, including the chair and vice chair.
Members of the Committee are appointed by the Chair. Vacancies in the membership of the committee shall be filled by the chairperson in collaboration with staff liaison.
TERMS:
IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee members are appointed to a three‐year term. This maximum term length may be extended for a Committee member selected to serve as Chair. Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion of the Leadership Council.
The IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee Chair shall serve for a term of two years. The Vice Chair shall serve a one-year term with a one-time option to extend their term for an additional year for succession planning purposes. Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion Leadership Council.
A committee member may re-serve after being off the committee for two years.
So that all terms do not expire at the same time committee member term expiration dates should be staggered.
SELECTION PROCESS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Committee members are identified through an open call for qualified volunteers. Selection is based on the following qualifications.
- A current, active member of the CPCU Society.
- Two years of professional experience in the insurance industry preferred.
- Ability to work independently and virtually to complete deliverables as required.
- Demonstrates honesty, sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views, a friendly, responsive and patient approach, community building skills, and a concern for the growth of the CPCU Society.
- Maintain respectful relationships with members, volunteers and staff.
- Maintains confidentiality of work as needed.
- Able to prioritize membership and organization over individual needs.
- Express interest to serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee;
- Desire to expand diversity of the Society, its members and those working in the risk and insurance industry.