The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee is dedicated to increase community awareness of the Water Industry. Our goal is to nurture and recommend strategies for the Association and water industry as it embraces diverse, equitable, and inclusive goals. Connecting with students at events, with local colleges, high schools, grade schools, and student organizations is an effective way to engage and inspire the diverse talent within your community.

Consider becoming a member of the committee. Contribute your ideas to help address the water industry's workforce shortage, enhance community engagement, and appreciate diversity.

For additional information on the Water Environment Federation's (WEF's) DEI goals and tools, pleas visit: https://www.wef.org/topics/practice-areas/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/

WEF Strategic Plan
Strategic Goal #1 - Attract and develop a diverse and passionate water workforce WEF Water Workforce: https://www.wef.org/about/Governance/wef-water-future/
Strategic Goal #2 - Cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all
Strategic Goal #3 - Lead the transformation to the Circular Water Economy
For more information visit: https://www.wef.org/about/Governance/wef-water-future/

For Student Outreach /Student Education Resources:
o WEF Building Public Outreach https://www.wef.org/membership--community/membership-center/wef-member-associations/building-public-outreach-programs/
o Metro Water Reclamation District Education: https://www.mwrd.org/education
o Water Geek: https://watergeek.ca/
o EPA STEM: https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/empowering-tomorrows-stem-leaders-epas-community-engagement-stem-education-program
o USGS Teacher's Resources for Water Education: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/teachers-resources-water-education

STEM Resources:

EPA Water Technical Assistance - https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/water-technical-assistance-waterta

EPA Water Workforce - https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/water-infrastructure-sector-workforce

City of Chicago Water Management - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/water/supp_info/education.html

Work for Water -https://www.workforwater.org/

Water STEM Activity: Design a Water Pipeline! - https://www.vivifystem.com/blog/2024/water-pipeline-stem

Water Geek - https://watergeek.ca/

Environmental Finance Center Network (Lesson Plans available) - https://efcnetwork.org/

Wichita State Work in Water - https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_las/hugowall/efc/Project_Pages/Work_in_Water_materials/the-work-in-water-experience.php

EnviroAtlas Interactive Map (great tool) - https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-interactive-map

DE&I committee meeting links:

September 2nd @ 1pm CST Meeting (Zoom) - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6154695374?pwd=osTtH7GFxD7Dkq71EmrLvfBvYPBtfa.1&omn=84742877786

November 4th @ 1pm CST Meeting (Zoom) - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6154695374?pwd=osTtH7GFxD7Dkq71EmrLvfBvYPBtfa.1&omn=84549782754

ALL PASSCODES: 12345

GUEST SPEAKER Requests - please email:
* Suggest a guest speaker for the Conference or a Speaker Series.
* Be a guest speaker to engage with Students, speak on a Panel or Speaker Series
* Request a guest speaker for water-related topics.