IDEAA

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability in action

The IDEAA Committee is a group of volunteers, community members, group leaders, staff, and board members motivated by making the CWC a more equitable and inclusive community and by building power among individuals who typically do not have a voice in decision making here. Our committee was convened in July 2020.

IDEAA meets 1-2 times a month, and sub-committees meet more frequently to work on projects that address all aspects of the center: our mission & values, community guidelines, hiring practices, volunteer training, finances, and more. We want to rethink, reimagine, and restructure existing power dynamics at the center, and continue building solidarity with our community.

In the past year we have…

  • Advocated for and allocated funds to support the ongoing work of IDEAA

  • Reviewed and revised our organizational mission statement

  • Supported a hiring process that included broader community input

  • Created and implemented an accountability survey

  • Created and implemented a group facilitator survey

  • Attended board meetings and hosted discussions about organizational change in the areas of policy, accountability, volunteerism, community input, and more.

Get involved

We welcome those who have a connection to the CWC community to fill out an interest form if they are interested in engaging in conversations and projects that address inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability here. We understand that historically and currently, women and women of color specifically are asked to do community organizing, collective care, and education work for low pay or no pay. As a collective deeply invested in anti-racist, economically just action, IDEAA is committed to offering the opportunity for compensation for the lived experience, community knowledge, and expertise that our members bring to our group.

Ideally, we would be able to have stipends available to anyone who wants them as we value your work and contributions to the IDEAA committee and to the Cambridge Women's Center, but currently our resources are limited. We trust you to know your own particular needs and will not ask for "proof" of financial need if you are offered a stipend.

More details on this initiative is available on the interest form.