DEI STATEMENT
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement for the Audio Publishers Association
At the Audio Publishers Association (APA), we are committed to fostering an environment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that is reflective of the rich tapestry of voices and experiences within the audiobook industry. We recognize that DEI is not just a commitment but a fundamental value that drives our organization forward.
Diversity: We celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents that our members bring to the APA. We acknowledge that diversity extends beyond race and ethnicity to include gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and more. By valuing and promoting diversity, we enrich our industry with a multitude of voices and ideas.
Equity: We are dedicated to advocating for a level playing field where every member has equal opportunities to thrive within the audiobook industry. We strive to remove barriers to entry and advancement, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, can participate fully and authentically. We recognize that equitable practices benefit not only our members but also the audiobook community at large.
Inclusion: Inclusion is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all our members. We actively seek out and amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives in our initiatives, programs, and leadership positions. We aim to create a culture where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
Our Commitment:
Education and Awareness: We will continuously educate ourselves and our members about the importance of DEI and its relevance to the audiobook industry. We will provide resources and training to promote awareness and understanding.
Representation: We will actively work to ensure that our leadership, committees, panels, and events reflect the diversity of our industry. We will seek out underrepresented voices and perspectives and provide opportunities for their participation.
Accessibility: We are committed to making our resources and events accessible to all members, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. We will strive to provide accommodations and support where needed.
Inclusive Practices: We will embed inclusive practices into all aspects of our organization, including our decision-making and programming. We will hold ourselves accountable for promoting DEI within the APA.
Feedback and Accountability: We welcome feedback from our members and stakeholders on our DEI efforts. We will use this feedback to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable for our commitments.
We believe that by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Audio Publishers Association can contribute to a more vibrant, innovative, and resilient audiobook industry. Together, we will build a community that reflects the beauty of human diversity and ensures that everyone's voice can be heard.
This statement represents our commitment to DEI, and we invite all our members to join us in this essential journey toward a more inclusive and equitable audiobook industry.