A blue sapphire background with a gold outline that read "Belonging in Business" in white text. Included in the yellow outline is text that reads "Alpha Kappa Psi"

      Increase Diversity of our Brotherhood  

As the premier developer of principled business leaders, it is important Alpha Kappa Psi enhances the diversity of the organization for many reasons, but the most important one to highlight is this:  Great leaders solve hard problems, and to solve hard problems we must seek out and value multiple perspectives. It is simply the best thing to do for the success of our members, our Fraternity, and our communities. 

 

      Enhance Unity and Sense of Belonging 

Maybe you have never felt like you did not belong in our Fraternity; in that meeting; in the company for which you work. However, it is important to recognize when Alpha Kappa Psi Brothers might not have the same experience. Intentionally celebrating the diversity Alpha Kappa Psi has will create an environment where unity becomes even stronger. 

 

      Include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fraternity Education 

Not only is it important to have knowledge about what diversity, equity and inclusion means for Alpha Kappa Psi, as business leaders it is vital to learn how to invest in and grow diverse teams. This is personal development. This is leadership development. 

 

      Ensure Systemic Integrity 

Beyond developing ourselves as inclusive leaders, Alpha Kappa Psi also needs to ensure the systems and structures within which Alpha Kappa Psi operates is challenged. It is not enough to develop oneself. It is dually critical to raise our awareness of established norms and rules which might prevent an equitable and inclusive environment. And it is not enough to become aware of these systems without taking action where the need is found. 

 

      Serve One Another 

Becoming more aware of ourselves, more attentive to inequities we see and experience, and more intentional in including others who are different from us impacts the long-term wellbeing of all stakeholders. This work is bigger than any one of us, yet it is about each and every one of us. Collectively, we can serve one another and create positive change around the world.   

What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? 

There are many versions of definitions and terminology in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. We have pulled a few of our favorites; however, we encourage you to be open to other iterations and meanings from a number of credible resources. You may even see us reference different versions of these definitions throughout the course of our programs, and that’s intentional. We believe leveraging a variety of resources to understand diversity, equity and inclusion will only further develop each of us as well-rounded leaders in this space.  

Diversity 

Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles. A diverse group, community, or organization is one in which a variety of social and cultural characteristics exist. (The National Multicultural Institute) 

 

 

Equity 

The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups. (UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity) It’s important to call out the difference between Equity and Equality, because it matters. Equality is evenly distributed access to resources and opportunity necessary for a safe and healthy life; uniform distribution of access to ensure fairness. (Kranich) 

 

Inclusion 

The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. (UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity) 

 

 

 

Resources

Alpha Kappa Psi’s Introduction to Diversity course | Navigate to MyLearning and click on the MyLearning Dashboard to access the course. 

While there are several additional books, videos, articles, podcasts, films, television series, and social media accounts which might assist you in your DEI journey a brief list has been started for you. Click the category button to display those resources.  

Alpha Kappa Psi does not endorse each of these resources and will add additional resources to keep the library fresh. The resources listed on each page are not exhaustive and you are encouraged to research additional resources on your own. 

Podcasts