The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Office is committed to promoting the values of inclusion throughout the SCA. The focus is equity, which is just and fair inclusion into an organization in which all can participate, prosper, benefit, and reach their full potential.
The DEIB office develops activities and training to cultivate a climate in which all members are treated fairly and able to thrive in a welcoming atmosphere.
This work is compliant with nondiscrimination laws, ADA laws, the SCA mission statement, and our governing documents, specially our policies on harassment, bullying, and hate speech.
DEIB Officer
Lord Timothy Nicholls (Timothy Austin)
deib@officer.atlantia.sca.org
DEIB Documents, classes, resources, and other links.
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions please contact the DEI
officer.
Report an Incident
If you believe you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed, bullied, or subjected to hate speech, there is help and the first step is to tell us about it. Contact a seneschal, the Kingdom Seneschal seneschal@officer.atlantia.sca.org, or your Kingdom’s Board Ombudsman. You may also “cc” equity@sca.org on your correspondence if you like.
DEI Concepts
Diversity means the presence of difference, or variety, within our groups. We each have different characteristics, preferences, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, labels, cultures, and beliefs. In the SCA, we do not allow something as organic as variety to hinder the very organization we love and support.
Equity means equal access. When people come together in groups, some have advantages while others have disadvantages. In context of this office, equity means a process to ensure that everyone has equal access to the same opportunities in the SCA. It also means being treated with the same courtesy, respect, and dignity as everyone else, no matter how you are different.
Inclusion means being welcomed and truly valued for what you contribute. It means that no matter your race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or able-ness, you are accepted. Verna Myers explains, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” This office will be using the framework of Inclusive Excellence.
What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean for members of the SCA?
First, that we are aware of issues going on in the world we live in and we know that our organization is not insulated from the impacts of implicit bias.
Second, that to be successful we must welcome and value new and existing members who are different from 90% of our populace.
Third, that discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and hate speech will not be tolerated in our Society.
Lastly, that we take action. We value chivalry and live by those tenets we claim to hold as ideal. When a participant violates the code of conduct we require, we let them know so they can adjust their behavior. The phrase, “if you see something, say something” can be applied here.
Our job as members isn’t to judge other members but to be clear on what actions are acceptable. You can simply let a member know that, “we don’t treat people that way in the SCA”, or “that violates our core values”, or “that action/statement isn’t acceptable”. If you have tried that without result, or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can report any incident to your local Seneschal who will report to your Kingdom Seneschal.
Use the information here to educate yourself on bias, cultural intelligence, and inclusive excellence. Understand that bias exists and it doesn’t make one a bad person; it is simply something to be aware of and to challenge so that you don’t act on bias, mistreat any member of the SCA, or violate our laws or policies.
Belonging
“Belonging is being accepted exactly for who you are. It means your unique background, quirks, and lived experiences are welcomed and valued.”
Belonging is where Diversity, Equity and Inclusion become real. A newcomer who uses a mobility aid, such as a scooter, may find that an event has good parking, appropriate restroom facilities and access to activities. Their local group may have introduced them to people who can help expand on their areas of interest. This level of inclusion is a good start. Belonging is when that gentle is welcomed, actively involved, and treated equally regardless of how they get around, other challenges, gender identity, race, or sexual orientation. It is most evident when they have a sense of “coming home” to a group that was total strangers not long ago.