Logo
Logo
Logo

Zumwald volunteering on ASJA’s DEAI Task Force

ENGLEWOOD, Ohio, July 6, 2022 – Teresa Zumwald, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), is serving on the association’s newly formed Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) Task Force.

The task force meets monthly to enlarge and enhance impactful diversity programming and ensure that ASJA operates as a fully open and inclusive organization. Meetings are open to all ASJA members.

In May 2022, ASJA released its DEAI statement, now available on the ASJA website.

It says:

ASJA serves all independent nonfiction writers, embracing the rich spectrum of voices that make up America.

ASJA is committed to being a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive organization that reflects the demographics of our country, our world and our profession. ASJA works to create a welcoming community for writers of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and cultural and religious beliefs, at all membership levels and in all leadership roles.

At ASJA, our goal is to ensure that diverse members feel included, supported and valued, especially writers from underrepresented groups. We continually strive for diverse representation in our events, activities and communications, from conferences and publications to webinars. We encourage members to seek out diverse sources and stories that reflect our world.

True diversity comes when we all commit to this goal.

 

One of the DEAI Task Force’s current initiatives is to hire a DEAI facilitator who will work closely with ASJA’s board, the DEAI Task Force and ASJA members.

The task force is seeking a seasoned DEAI professional who will moderate educational sessions and workshops surrounding diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion to enlighten and inform ASJA members.

“When I heard the DEAI statement read aloud at the ASJA conference in May in New Jersey, and learned more about the work of this task force, I decided to raise my hand and volunteer,” Zumwald said.

“I am delighted to contribute to this work and am looking forward to collaborating with all the volunteers so that we continue to make progress as an association in the DEAI arena.”

 

ABOUT ASJA

Founded in 1948, ASJA is the nation’s largest professional organization of independent nonfiction writers.

ASJA members are outstanding nonfiction freelance writers who meet ASJA’s exacting standards of professional achievement.

ASJA serves the entire freelance and publishing communities, through a variety of programs and initiatives.