Too often imbalances in gender and diversity are overlooked during the organization, facilitation, and registration of conferences, events, and project collaborations. As representatives and leaders of the tourism industry within the Tourism and Conservation Lab, we seek and engage with many conferences, events, and collaborations as educational and professional opportunities. Our lab supports and practices transparency in this process by each member of the Tourism and Conservation Lab taking the Merle Pledge committing to:
- increasing the visibility and contribution of women in public and professional forums
- advocating for gender balance and diversity in all professional events, panels and conferences
- encouraging my colleagues and friends to participate in the Merle Pledge
- questioning and raising the issue of gender balance and diversity when the opportunity arises
- actively encouraging and supporting the voices of women
- honouring the Merle Pledge whenever I am invited to speak
- standing up for what is right
- persevering and not accepting excuses for unequal representation (The University of Queensland, n.d.)
We encourage and welcome those who are interested in taking the Merle Pledge to share their thoughts on diversity, equity and inclusion as related to conferences, events and collaborations. This is an important step in realizing actions towards sustainable tourism.
The Tourism and Conservation Lab, a representative of and supporting group for diversity, equity and inclusion at Colorado State University, is committed to supporting events and conferences that uplift the many voices historically underrepresented in tourism and conservation in academia and industry operations. Join us by taking the Merle Pledge!
Reference
The University of Queensland. (0AD). SAGE Athena SWAN at UQ – The Merle Pledge. About UQ. https://about.uq.edu.au/initiatives/sage-athena-swan#qt-sage_athena_swan_tabs-foundation-tabs-6