Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Pledge
The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (“WLALA”) is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all of our members and our Board members. WLALA is best served by an environment that is open, welcoming, and understanding. We recognize and embrace the unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds that each Board member brings to our organization. WLALA Board members will maintain an environment where each person feels respected, valued, and empowered; will be collaborative in their approach; and will promote inclusion, equity, and belonging.
Our Commitment
WLALA is committed to taking the following actions in support of maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment:
- Provide ongoing education and training to all board members on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racism and leadership.
- Support and invest in the efforts of the WLALA Equity Belonging and Anti-Racism committee.
- Provide a space for all Board members to voice concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and to have those concerns heard and addressed.
- Support flexible meeting arrangements to accommodate the different needs of all
members. - Conduct periodic surveys and focus groups to identify the areas where our organization supports inclusive practices, as well as where there is room for growth.
Code of Conduct
All WLALA Board members are expected to promote an inclusive and equitable environment by adhering to the following conduct standards:
- Treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
- Foster collaboration with all Board members—especially new ones—as all Board members offer different identities, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
- Be committed to examining your biases, attitudes, and assumptions, and work from the premise that when you know better, you do better.
- Educate yourself on the impacts of systemic oppression and inequities both in the legal system and in our communities at large.
- Be mindful of your power, position, and privileges and how they affect decision-making.
- Move from “What about me?” to “How can I be part of the solution to inequity?”
- Confront your own decisions and behaviors (and those of others) that are based on conscious or unconscious biases.
- Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others’ perception of your conduct. Feedback is a gift and an opportunity for growth.
- Be courageous and speak up when you observe problematic behaviors. Address and report inappropriate behavior and comments that are discriminatory, harassing, abusive, offensive, or that violates any of the standards listed in the Code of Conduct.
Violations
WLALA will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, abusive behavior or language, or any other conduct that violates the standards above.
Members who violate WLALA’s Code of Conduct will face corrective action. Possible consequences include additional training, verbal and written warnings, suspension, and removal from the Board