Minnesota Women Lawyers Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Approved by the MWL Board of Directors, April 28, 2016
Updated by the MWL Board of Directors: February 27, 2020 and February 23, 2023
To fully embody its mission and values, Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) commits to be an intentionally diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
MWL believes that diversity allows us to develop ideas, respond to the needs of our membership, and address issues within our community more effectively. The entire community benefits when we are all provided equitable opportunities and treated justly, with fairness and respect.
MWL believes in giving voice, influence, and power to those who have been marginalized. Our collective effort will create the change. MWL commits to provide an open community where everyone feels welcome, accepted, safe, heard, valued and respected. MWL strives to be an organization with a board of directors, staff, group leadership, volunteers, and members that reflect and represent the communities we serve. MWL seeks to leverage the benefits of a diverse and inclusive organization: strong leadership, equity, creativity, innovation, and community.
Turning these commitments into reality is an ongoing journey. We are dedicated to making MWL a place where everyone, across all dimensions of difference, is encouraged to participate; where diversity is both welcomed and celebrated; where all people feel a sense of belonging and respect whenever they interact with MWL, and where all aspects of our organization’s culture are aligned with our values.
In alignment with its mission, values and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement (above), Minnesota Women Lawyers has created and is working to implement related goals and action steps. On an annual basis, the MWL DE&I Committee will review the current goals, summarize accomplishments, and make any recommended update(s) to the MWL Board of Directors for its consideration.
