"This is a moment where we can't lose that effort, that feeling, that momentum." @Jenkinsbd on taking an action oriented approach to advancing diversity through @WCAPSnet solidarity statement and steps signatories are taking: https://issuu.com/wcapsnet/docs/june_9_wcaps_sign-on_letter_2_

Jane Rhee follows with 3 core elements of an effective organizational #DEI plan:

1. transparency about hiring, promotion
2. access to opportunity
3. leadership engagement

Conversation turns to burden of risk vs representation in decision making:

"We know with regard to this pandemic, for example, women are the ones on the front line providing care...but they're not the ones at the decision making table."
@globalgamechngr of @GlobalHealthOrg

"Thinking about how the language that we use perpetuates that disconnect helps us to close that gap and makes sure that people aren't misinformed on the issues that we're trying to face."

@globalgamechngr on the power of language and diversity in addressing existential threats

" #Diversity has to be a mission priority of an organization...It's not an HR issue, it's not a staffing issue, it's not an internal process issue...it has to be as equal to your mission as anything else that goes on, with equal investment of leadership." says @ShawnGSkelly

"The persistence of this gender gap in the presence of a growing pipeline of talented women into the field means that this is an institutional problem."

@LauraSHHolgate on understanding how challenges to diversity in nuclear policy need to be addressed

"Many point to the long hours and extensive travel common to #natsec jobs as reason women leave the field...but our COVID experience is showing us otherwise."

@LauraSHHolgate discusses gender equity in the federal workforce and how technology can overcome challenges

@jenkinsbd says hearing about orgs desire to take concrete actions to advance diversity is welcome - but the test is what are we doing tomorrow, next week, 6 months, 1 year from now. "I want to keep the movement going." @WCAPSnet

Orgs making a public statement creates accountability - but it's just the start. @ShawnGSkelly reiterates that making structural, institutional change is a process that must be persistent. @OutInNatSec

On priority actions that need to be taken today: @globalgamechngr calls on everyone to use their platform to raise the voices of others: on interview requests "even if you go, can you negotiate a 2-for-1"

@LauraSHHolgate says orgs can support this kind of individual change by building them into SoPs - this is how we maintain momentum. Representation & visibility is how orgs show that they're proud of their people; individual and org approaches reinforce each other.

Jane Rhee describes structural inequity as a seesaw "You are up because I am down, I am down because you are up." Recognizing that everyone's experience is connected by an uneven playing field is a critical first step.

"I learn from our forefathers and our foremothers on these issues, and I am a constant student on learning why our culture is what it is - why we think what we think, why we do what we do. It is a constant journey."

@Jenkinsbd reemphasizes the journey of personal education

@globalgamechngr & @Jenkinsbd: Creating non-symbolic change within an org is key to avoiding tokenism. "Ask someone who's an other how they feel." The more progress we make down this road, the less diversity becomes "special" and instead becomes normal.

@jenkinsbd on entering the nuclear policy space as a marginalized voice: find a safe space for yourself, have a wide berth, don't be discouraged, and stay involved.

@LauraSHHolgate says apply for a PAID @NTI_WMD internship! https://bit.ly/3fh4LAt 

..and recommends @WIIS_Global's Jobs Hotline: https://bit.ly/2VzfheS 

"It's understanding why it's important to be at the table, to have a voice. If you're not at the table things can happen to you, can have an effect on you that you can't influence." @Jenkinsbd connects nuclear decision making to all other issues - having your voice heard matters.

@ShawnGSkelly follows with a call for holding decision makers accountable. "Where money is going to go is a choice...the people choose who makes those things happen."