Diversity in WAN: Building a more inclusive future.

WAN’s Diversity Statement

The Women’s Aquatic Network brings together professionals with interests in marine, coastal and aquatic affairs. WAN welcomes and encourages participation by all individuals regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental difference, politics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture. We strive to cultivate a society built on mentorship, encouragement, tolerance, and mutual respect, thereby engendering a welcoming environment for all. Collectively, these identities inform and shape one’s ways of being and catalyze productivity, much like the way biodiversity catalyzes productivity in the aquatic world. We will vigorously and proactively reject prejudice and stereotyping wherever it is encountered in our profession. WAN further promotes diversity in all areas of activity, including fostering diversity in membership, leadership, committees, outreach, public engagement, recruitment, and all other areas of societal activity.

— Adopted January 2022

Why JEDI?

JEDI stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. These four ideals capture the culture of organizations that manage a diverse workforce and strive to provide the opportunity for everyone to succeed and participate regardless of background. Here’s the breakdown of each part:

Justice: The goal of addressing inequities is to foster equitable participation of all groups and to acknowledge systemic and historical barriers to access to power, education, and other opportunities for personal activity and social privileges.

WAN seeks to improve equity by promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within our procedures, processes and distribution of resources. 

Equity: 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. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist in the provision of adequate opportunities to all groups.

WAN acknowledges that many aquatic fields have historically excluded representation from minority groups including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and believes a more prosperous, creative, and solutions-oriented aquatic community depends on representation and participation from diverse groups and perspectives.  

Diversity: Socially, diversity refers to the wide range of identities. Identities may include race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, veteran status, physical appearance, etc. Diversity may also involve different ideas, perspectives, and values.

WAN defines “Diversity” as the full spectrum of personal attributes, cultural and socio economic affiliations, and professional statuses that characterize individuals within society. Collectively, these identities, inform and shape one’s scientific ways of thinking. We celebrate the diversity of our membership (including, but not limited to diversity of race/ethnicity, gender identification, age, and sector), and recognizes the value this diversity brings to our community.

Inclusion: The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued as a fully participating member. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. 

WAN ensures that our community is safe, welcoming, and supportive for all. WAN will cultivate a culture of respect and be open to suggestions as we work towards becoming a stronger organization.


Making a More Inclusive Network 

The JEDI Committee - established in October 2020 by the WAN Executive Board - represents an initiative specifically aimed at breaking down barriers for historically excluded groups in WAN through a set of intentional and clear actions. The Committee complements the dedicated and long-term work of WAN’s Membership Committee. With an initial timeline of thee years (through December 2023), the JEDI Committee will evaluate our outcomes from the past three years, re-evaluate our WAN initiatives, and establish another 3-year cycle to direct WAN towards increased belonging within our organization. In summary, the JEDI Committee is meant to effect "rapid evolution" in WAN around JEDI issues and to send a clear message that WAN is committed to change through action.

The JEDI Statement became part of WAN’s Social Responsibility Policy in 2021.

EDUCATION & Resources:

A few resources to start your own journey:

Do your own learning, which should be a continuous and never-ending task:

We highly encourage you and your organizations to have a DEI statement on your website. Example DEI Statements that WAN supports: 

Actively engage in diversity efforts in your institution, professional society, job setting, or community, including joining a DEI-focused committee. Don’t have one yet? Here is some advice on getting one started: 

Womens Aquatic NetworkJEDI