So you say you want to have a diverse jury? Here’s how @KasiaKarolak_ and I did it for @TheOneClub + @3PercentConf’s Next Creative Leaders Jury - and how you can, too (a thread):

Step 1: Look to the industry advocates who champion and highlight diverse voices i.e. @katgordon via @3PercentConf and @DiverStar of @ADCOLOR. They’re the OGs of inclusion and their Rolodexes and speaking rosters are

Step 2: Befriend the changemakers who do the diversity work even when nobody is watching: folks like @AishaAnnHakim of @TheFellowApp, @MaddyKramer of InVisible Creatives, @BennettDBennett + @notnathan of @600andRising, @thenichols of @allyshipaction

Step 3: Listen to the brave folks who will call you out on your bullshit. Folks like @Girlsday312 @dereklwalker and @cindygallop. Learn a thing or to and see who they champion and encourage.

Step 4: Follow editors who curate and publish diverse voices. Folks like @Adweek’s @griner and @zanger lead the charge in this respect. Read up on the projects and people who get their backing and their retweets.

Step 5: Pay attention to the people who have a vision for a future that excites you. Folks like @StephanieNOlson at @we_are_rosie @carolinedettman at @haveherback @AWordFromLisa at @BNewAndImproved + @nancyvonk + @janetkestin at Swim. They’re doing a lot of things right

Step 5: Notice the leaders who stand up for their people and don’t shy away from hard work or conversations: @Schwartzie14 of @TBWA, @DeCourcy of @WiedenKennedy, @jeanbatthany of @Disney and @teaelleu of @Google get thumbs up in my book.

Step 6: Get inspired by leaders who built their own thing (or their side hustles) in the name of representation, creativity and doing things better: @MiraKaddoura of @redandcoagency, @shannboogie, @wintermendelson, @kmcartwright + the brilliant men behind @saturdaymornco

Step 7: Ask for references and referrals from your network and your ideal jurors. If you don’t know these people, they do.

Step 8: Screen for abusers, racists, bigots or assholes and pull them from your list if you discover them. Be ruthless in the name of what you’re building. Representation matters - and having an abusive juror is not a good look.

Step 9: Always have a list going of potential jurors. Take notes year round if you see work or an initiative or a talk that inspires you. If ideal jurors are too busy or on family leave, ask again next year.

Step 10: Keep evolving. Seek feedback on what you can do better, consider where you have room to grow and which voices need more representation. Don’t be afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes. Go for progress over perfection. Raise your own bar.

Building a diverse, representative jury (or team, or board, or workforce or friend group) is not rocket science, but it takes effort and heart. So be all in when it matters. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it.