As we enter a new year, it’s both an honor and a responsibility to reflect on the milestones achieved by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) in 2023. The DEI Committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and dismantling barriers within our industry has been unwavering, and the impact of their efforts is evident in the transformative initiatives introduced throughout the past year.
Innovative Voices Program: Elevating Marginalized Voices
A shining star in the constellation of our accomplishments is the launch of the Innovative Voices program. This initiative has provided a platform for publishers from communities to share narratives that have been historically pushed to the margins.
The Innovative Voices Program, announced at IBPA Publishing University in May 2023, marked a paradigm shift in our commitment to inclusivity. The application period, open from May 6 to June 30, saw an enthusiastic response. The first cohort of five publishers commenced their transformative journey on August 1, 2023, with graduation set for the end of July 2024. This program is a testament to IBPA’s core value of excellence in inclusivity and its commitment, established in 2020, to mitigate the industry’s legacy of privilege, bias, and exclusion.
Feedback from IBPA members and the Innovative Voices class of 2023 has been overwhelmingly positive. However, true to our commitment to continuous improvement, the DEI Committee has gathered to reflect on the program’s successes and identify areas for enhancement. Plans for additional onboarding for potential entries and expanded member education on applying for grants are in motion, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive program for future participants.
Affinity Group Forums: Nurturing Community Connections
In 2023, the DEI Committee took another stride toward fostering community engagement by launching our first Affinity Group forums. These specialized forums created a space for members to share their unique experiences within the publishing space. Recognizing the need for effective ongoing communication, the committee, under the guidance of Lee Wind, transitioned from our previous forum platform to Slack in September 2023.
The soft launch of Slack for members has been ongoing, with adjustments and refinements being made to ensure seamless communication. This move aims to provide a dynamic platform for members to connect, share insights, and collaborate effectively, further enriching the IBPA community. We are still seeking volunteers to help moderate Slack channels. If this is something you are passionate about, please reach out to Lee at lee@ibpa-online.org.
DEI Resource Center: A Hub for Knowledge and Guidance
Our DEI Resource Center (ibpa-online.org/page/dei-resource-center) continues to be a valuable repository for members seeking guidance on DEI issues within publishing. This centralized hub is the go-to resource for understanding and implementing DEI principles within their own businesses. Here you will find guides to advance your own company’s DEI initiative as well as cost effective training options for staff.
We are also making efforts to stay ahead of threats to diversity equity and inclusion within our own organization. Data from Equality Labs has found that 25% of Dalits living within the US have faced verbal or physical assault based on their caste. In a move to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity, IBPA made a significant decision in 2023. “Caste” has been added as a protected class under our anti-harassment policy and DEI statement, recognizing the pervasive issue of caste discrimination, particularly within South Asian communities worldwide. We hope that this addition sends a powerful message that IBPA will not tolerate any form of caste discrimination within our organization.
BISAC Code Advocacy: Enhancing Representation and Discoverability
One of the most impactful endeavors of our DEI Committee in 2023 has been the work undertaken by Working Group 4 to ensure that BISAC codes are representative of all books and cultures. Collaborating with BookNet Canada, the subcommittee, led by Wiley Barnes, secured over 100 new BISAC Codes and categories that better represent the Indigenous community.
The DEI Committee’s commitment to transparency and education is evident in the upcoming teaching webinar. This webinar will guide members on utilizing these new codes and underscore their importance in enhancing the discoverability of underrepresented voices and stories. Looking forward, DEI Working Group 4 is reaching out to members to seek suggestions and data, promoting positive change for voices from other communities.
Actionable Steps for Members and Their Companies:
As the new year begins, you may be asking yourself how you can implement new DEI initiatives in your own organization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Educate Your Team: Encourage your team members to participate in DEI training and awareness programs.
2. Internal Affinity Groups: Create internal affinity groups within your organization to provide spaces for your team members to share experiences and insights. Foster a sense of community and inclusion.
3. Review and Update Policies: Regularly review your company’s policies and ensure they align with the principles of DEI. If gaps are identified, take swift action to rectify and improve them.
4. Community Engagement: Actively engage in our forums, be it on Slack or other platforms. Share your experiences and expertise, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
5. Regular DEI Assessments: Conduct regular assessments of your company’s DEI efforts. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies.
6. Collaborate on Industry Initiatives: Work collaboratively with other members and organizations to advocate for industrywide changes. Join forces to influence positive change in the broader publishing landscape.
7. Feedback and Suggestions: Be an active participant in our DEI initiatives. Provide feedback on programs, suggest improvements, and share your experiences. Your input is invaluable to our continuous improvement. The DEI committee can be reached at dei_committee@ibpa-online.org.
As we embark on the challenges and opportunities of 2024, let us be proactive in championing DEI within our industry. The success of our collective efforts relies on the commitment of each member and their companies. Together, we can continue to move toward a future where inclusivity is not just a goal but a lived reality in the world of publishing.
Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero is the director of sales and marketing at Familius Publishing. She has authored several children’s books with Familius and hopes to continue creating more. Her collaborative sales efforts have helped Familius become one of the fastest-growing independent publishers for four years in a row. She was a 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Finalist and currently serves on the Independent Book Publishers Association Board of Directors. She is the chair of the IBPA’s DEI Committee and hopes to help create a publishing industry that is inviting, inclusive, and accessible for all through her work.