Hi Everybody,

At THATCamp Prime a few weeks ago, in the meeting that produced this very page, we talked about the need to include tips on encouraging diversity at THATCamp in the instructions planners receive.  I’m hoping that we can use this space to create that list of tips.

I will get us started with a few ideas.  Please suggest additions (or subtractions, or revisions) in the comments section.  I will monitor the comments and revise the list as we go.

Additionally, I want us to think carefully about the language we are using.  Is “Encouraging Diversity” too soft?  Should we, as George Williams suggested, be talking about making THATCamp accessible?  Please share your thoughts and suggestions.

If you need or want to get in touch with me for any reason, please email me at stewart.varner@emory.edu

All the best,

Stewart

***

Tips for creating an inclusive THATCamp

• Contact under-represented communities. Make sure you reach out to all the institutions of higher education in your area.  Are there any community colleges, small schools and/or Historically Black Colleges which have been traditionally underrepresented.  If you don’t know who to contact, you should start with humanities librarians who are often very knowledgeable about the interests of faculty members.
• Designate an Outreach Coordinator.  This need not be a full time position – and could be combined with Advertising / Marketing – but you need to make sure some one is responsible for making sure everyone knows they are welcome at THATCamp.
• Be conscious of how and what you communicate. Make sure that there is nothing in your promotional material that unintentionally excludes underrepresented groups or creates a less than welcoming picture of THATCamp.
• Make your THATCamp welcoming. Along the same lines, look for ways to make your material as welcoming as possible.  For example, instead of simply stating that everyone is welcome, be specific!  See the Who Should Attend? section from the 2011 Great Lakes THATCamp