Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Welcome to the AIESEP Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy homepage. This policy reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, and respectful environments across all AIESEP activities, including conferences, member engagement, and institutional collaborations.

Purpose of the Policy

The EDI Policy aligns with the AIESEP Strategic Plan and core values, providing a framework to guide ethical, equitable, and inclusive practices across our organisation. It is designed as a living document, continuously updated to reflect ongoing learning and best practice.

This policy prioritises:

• Restorative and educational approaches: mentorship, vulnerability, and growth over punitive measures.

• Clear organisational commitments: from the AIESEP Board, conference organisers, and members.

• Inclusive engagement: fostering participation across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Policy Design Process

The EDI Policy was developed through a co-design approach grounded in Participatory Action Research (PAR). This methodology acknowledges power dynamics, values lived experiences, and positions participants as co-researchers in creating the policy.

Key aspects of the design process:

• Engagement of co-designers: 9 co-designers from 7 countries participated, recruited via the SJ-SIG network. They collaborated across 8 co-design workshops to shape the policy content.

• Facilitation: The process was facilitated by board members leading the EDI portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and strategic oversight.

• Critical friends: Three critical friends supported planning, facilitated communication between co-designers and the board, and helped negotiate expectations.

• PAR principles: The process recognised histories and experiences within organisations and prioritised co-construction of knowledge.

Contributors

Co-Designers:

• Aspasia Dania

• Shre Lynch

• lisahunter

• Dylan Scanlon

• María José Camacho Miñano

• Ching Wei Chang

• Carolina Poblete Galvez

• Marina Castro-Garcia

• Kristin Elin Walseth

Facilitators:

• Carla Luguetti

• Menno Slingerland

Critical Friends:

• Ben Williams

• Karen Farquharson

Timeline of the Process

• September 2024: Recruitment of co-designers through SJ-SIG and launch of the co-design process.

• Sept 2024 – Dec 2024: Planning and coordination with facilitators and critical friends.

• Jan 2025 – May 2025: 8 co-design workshops held with international contributors.

• Ongoing: Policy development integrated with board input and reviewed iteratively.

• January 2026: Official launch of the EDI Policy and publication on the website.

• Future: Continuous updates and action plans to ensure the policy evolves and reflects current best practices.