WHEREAS:

At AFSCME International Conventions, there are typically several committees appointed to address various resolutions submitted in advance. The resolutions assigned to those committees are generally grouped according to subject matter. Over the last several conventions there have been resolutions regarding marriage equality, women's rights and pay equity, immigration reform, civil rights, rights for the differently-abled, and it is reasonable to expect resolutions at future conventions regarding these and other matters of diversity, equity and inclusion; and

WHEREAS:

Resolutions regarding matters of diversity, equity and inclusion deserve to be considered by members familiar with and respectful of the subject. These are not conversations that can be taken lightly or handled poorly; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME International should take the opportunity to cultivate member-leaders who can bring a deeper understanding of the subject back to their respective affiliates. The labor movement needs to wrestle with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and we should equip leaders to have those conversations; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME International can be an example for its affiliates about how, and why, to create a committee to address and take action on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion at their own conventions and in their own communities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is a timely and worthy addition to the AFSCME International convention to respectfully and skillfully address matters of diversity, equity and inclusion and may be added to the list of convention committees to be appointed by the President beginning with the 2018 AFSCME International Convention.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Klatke, President

Annette Skillman, Secretary and Delegate

AFSCME Council 75

Oregon