Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to ensure that the membership, leadership, conferences, and publications of the organization represent the full spectrum of the populations of the Appalachian region, in terms of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and life work. To gain the maximum benefit from our diverse membership and leadership, the committee works to ensure that every member feels welcomed, valued, respected, and supported, so that everyone feels a part of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Membership and Duties
Membership. The committee shall consist of the chairperson and a minimum of four members appointed by the ASA president in rotating terms. Other members are welcome to volunteer with the committee as well. The committee will work closely with the Membership Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Program Committee.
Duties. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to insure that the membership, leadership, conferences and publications of the organization represent the full spectrum of the populations of the Appalachian region, in terms of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and life work. To gain the maximum benefit from our diverse membership and leadership, the committee works to ensure that every member feels welcomed, valued, respected and supported, so that each individual feels a part of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Justin Ray Dutton
Diversity and Inclusion Chairperson
Justin-Ray is a neurodiverse Appalachian who has been involved with ASA and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee since 2016. Professionally, he teaches in WVU's Center for Women's and Gender Studies and Country Roads Program as he finishes his MSW. His intersectional research interests include sexuality, gender, disability, and expansive access to high adventure recreation. Justin-Ray is excited to continue and expand D&I's dialogues and actions!
For more information about The Diversity and Inclusion Committee's members, Annual Conference involvement and other documents, click here.
