JEDI

(Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion)

The South-Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association's JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity) Committee was officially established in October 2024. During the 2024-2025 period, the committee engaged in several key activities and initiatives.

Key Activities and Initiatives (2024-2025)

• Surveys and Open Forums: The committee conducted surveys and held open forums to gather feedback from SCC members about future JEDI initiatives and priorities. The survey results highlighted a strong desire for more diverse speakers (15 responses) and topics/programs (22 responses) at annual meetings, as well as JEDI training opportunities (16 responses).

• Open Forum: SCC DEI Ad-Hoc Open Forum: "What Does DEI Mean to You?" (February 6, 2024), drawing 33 attendees.

• Continuing Education (CE) Sessions:

o November 4, 2024, the committee hosted a CE session on Cultural Humility led by Xan Goodman.

o October 25, 2025, JEDI is sponsoring a 2-hour CE course titled "Reading the Room: How Subtle Dynamics Shape Your Workday,” which will be led by Dr. Michael Hicks.

• Presentations and Events:

o DEI Ad-Hoc: SCC/ MLA Conference: “The Power of Your Vote: The Impact of Your State Legislation on Library Operations" Roundtable. (Oct. 28, 2024)

o A lunchtime event, sponsored by the JEDI Committee on July 17, 2025, virtually titled: “Are You Tired Yet?: The Power of Inclusive Resilience,” led by Dr. Christopher Smith, drawing 49 attendees.

o The committee is also hosting a roundtable discussion at the annual conference in Little Rock in October 2025, "Cultivating a Thriving Environment: Integrating JEDI Principles with Workplace Wellness."

o The JEDI Committee will present a poster presentation, "DEI is Here to Stay: MLA Chapters Amplifying Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," for the annual meeting in October 2025.

• Award Renaming Initiative: The JEDI Committee submitted a formal Proposal to the Executive Board of the SCC/MLA and CAC on September 16, 2025, to officially rename the William J. Postell Award, with a recommendation of the Armadillo Professional Development Award.

• Accessibility Efforts: To accommodate members in "anti-DEI states" and those with challenging institutional environments, the committee planned to record CE sessions and offer programming outside standard work hours. A community roundtable was also scheduled to provide a safe space for members to discuss challenges and opportunities.