By Luna Alaowad, DEI Task Force member
Hi, Key Club members!
What makes Key Club truly amazing? It’s you! Key Club members come from every background, every identity and every corner of the world — so you bring unique stories, voices and passions to the table.
Great leadership and service can happen only when everyone feels welcomed and included. That’s why the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force of the Key Club International Board is stepping up our game with a simple but powerful tool: our Inclusivity Checklist. It’s designed to help clubs create spaces where all members — regardless of age, gender, race, ability or background — can show up, speak up and shine.
Whether you’re organizing a meeting, hosting an event or just thinking about how to make your club more inclusive, this checklist is your go-to guide. Ready to make sure everyone feels like they belong? Let’s break it down and put it into action — together.
Ensure diverse participation (age, gender, race, ability, etc.).
- Clubs: Reach out to diverse groups through flyers, social media and direct invitations to encourage participation.
- Districts: Make sure district events feature diverse speakers and workshops to represent all members.
Use inclusive language in all materials and communications.
- Clubs: Use gender-neutral language and provide options for preferred pronouns in registration forms.
- Districts: Share resources on inclusive language and encourage clubs to adopt these practices in all communications.
Provide accessible venues and transportation.
- Clubs: Choose venues that are ADA-compliant and arrange transportation for members who need it.
- Districts: Ensure district events are accessible and offer transportation funding for clubs without resources.
Include cultural sensitivity in planning and activities.
- Clubs: Avoid scheduling events on major cultural or religious holidays and celebrate diverse traditions.
- Districts: Offer cultural awareness workshops and organize events celebrating different cultural heritages.
Involve community members in planning and decision-making.
- Clubs: Include all members in event planning by hosting brainstorming sessions for ideas and input.
- Districts: Form a diversity task force within the district leadership to ensure diverse voices are heard in planning.
Offer necessary resources and support for all participants.
- Clubs: Provide resources like school supply kits and create a buddy system for new members.
- Districts: Offer scholarships and mentorship programs to support underrepresented members.
Provide leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Clubs: Nominate diverse members for officer positions and leadership roles in service projects.
- Districts: Create mentorship programs to guide underrepresented students into leadership roles.
Collect feedback on inclusivity and make improvements.
- Clubs: Use anonymous surveys to gather feedback on inclusivity and improve future events.
- Districts: Host listening sessions to ensure that inclusivity remains a priority and adjust based on member input.
Ensure promotional materials reflect diversity.
- Clubs: Use diverse images in all promotional materials to showcase a range of identities.
- Districts: Ensure district newsletters, event flyers and websites reflect the diversity of the district’s members.
Celebrate and recognize diverse contributions.
- Clubs: Recognize members who go above and beyond to foster inclusivity within the club.
- Districts: Celebrate diverse leaders and volunteers at district events to highlight their contributions.
Of course, inclusivity isn’t just a checklist — it’s the heart of who we are. When we welcome everyone to the table, we build stronger clubs, better communities and a Key Club that truly represents the world we want to see. The Inclusive DEI Checklist is here to help us do just that. So let’s keep showing up, speaking out and lifting each other up. Let’s make Key Club a place where everyone belongs — and let’s make it happen together!