Since the inception of the IES Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Respect (DEIR) Committee, it has morphed from a committee whose very formation was questioned to a recognized entity within and outside of the Society. The members of the committee have worked hard to ensure that its charter has been met and that we thoroughly research and present ideas regarding an inclusive environment for the IES Board to consider. We have tried to assure those people who questioned the committee’s formation that there is no taking away of anything from anyone, there is only spreading opportunities in a wider beam of light for more people equally. Given this, now is a good time to provide a report card of what the committee has accomplished and some topics for consideration going forward.
We began the venture during the pandemic with an internal look at the Society as to where we were, before we looked at where to go. We put out a membership questionnaire with admittedly slim returns. This fell in the time period of questioning and uncertainty about the committee; thus, perhaps future questionnaires will give a greater response. We used what we had to begin looking into existing IES programs for DEIR recommendations.
We have had discussions with the Awards Committee, Color Committee and Video Conferencing Committee. The latter two are currently involved in a DEIR joint research project with an outside partner, PhoScope, to look at lighting on skin tones. This research could branch out to other committees including exterior environment, and stage/studio lighting. The DEIR Committee was also proud to be asked to be a part of the Executive Director Search Committee/Task Force that resulted in the hiring of Colleen Harper. This opportunity showed the Society’s dedication to DEIR input and consideration for such an important hire. We have been beyond pleased to have such a dynamic and open-minded partner as Colleen in place. The committee also discussed the membership fee structure with the IES Executive Committee which resulted in adjusted membership fees based on the country’s income equivalent to the U.S. dollar.
A funny thing happened along the way. Our committee began to be looked at by other associations as a model for the lighting profession. We were contacted by, and began relationships with, groups including IALD, Light Justice, DOE and WILD. It became clear that for the IES to move forward with DEIR issues, we had to expand our communication and relationships with groups like these. This led to the jointly supported symposium in November 2022. In partnership with Light Justice, we hosted the symposium on Light + Justice looking at lighting practice and fairness in responsible practice for the exterior environment. This was a success with registrants from around the country. It has already generated interest in a follow-up for the interior lighting process. As of this writing, we are looking at a joint DEIR entity involving the IES and IALD to coordinate efforts within the design and LRC communities. This is made possible through a shared chair of the committees which allows for smooth communication and cooperation between the two societies. We have also joined the program Access+, which brings organizations of all genres together to analyze where DEIR currently stands, future goals and means to achieve said goals. Though these other groups are not lighting oriented, joining them introduced the IES to a larger world of DEI-focused organizations sharing ideas, grievances and suggestions based on learned experiences.
At this last LightFair in New York, IES DEIR proudly co-sponsored the Lighting Advocacy Social which was hosted by Light Justice. This gathering of a multitude of interested societies and related lighting groups with DEIR interests was a wildly successful venture which has garnered much interest in how the profession can be bettered through more inclusive participation. We are considering a similar outing for the IES Annual Conference to explore opportunities within other IES committees as well.
Going forward, the DEIR committee is looking at how we can interface and recommend ideas for educational opportunities, other IES marketing awareness and diversity mentorship. We are always welcoming ideas and are happy to stop and talk with anyone (or take an e-mail address) to discuss involvement, ideas, or even critiques on how we can better assist this Society with our unique mission. I’d like to close by thanking all the committee members for a lot of hard work, time and patience. In turn, I’d like to thank the IES and our members for your patience in allowing us to gain our footing and develop a mission that we hope will make our Society a better professional organization for all.