Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

**Chapter Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)** The Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment where those of all backgrounds and abilities can learn and network as we celebrate fisheries science and management. The chapter’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee works to put these values into action, especially on behalf of underrepresented groups. Please read on for the chapter’s DEI committee mission. Check back on this page periodically as we continue to add more resources. **Mission:** The mission of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (ILAFS) is to understand challenges affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Chapter and suggest avenues to address these challenges. Only with active participation from ILAFS leadership and membership can we enrich our Chapter by identifying and removing historic, institutional, and systemic disparities that have limited our growth towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive fisheries profession. We endeavor to cultivate a welcoming environment that serves all individuals of the fisheries community, encouraging a richness of perspectives and contributions. We strive for fairness in providing resources, access, and opportunities, especially to historically underrepresented or marginalized groups. We will actively cultivate a Chapter that intentionally respects, values, and includes all individuals, and embraces meaningful contribution and participation. **DEI resources:** We are just one small part of a larger effort to promote increased diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fisheries field. Work is well underway at a national level to address these issues. Please visit the [American Fisheries Society’s](https://diversity.fisheries.org/) [website](https://diversity.fisheries.org/) for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fisheries for more information, including an excellent resource list and episodes of the Fisheries Diversity and Inclusion podcast.