The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Office is Committed to promoting the values of inclusion throughout the SCA. The focus is equity, which is just and fair inclusion into an organization in which all can participate, prosper, benefit, and reach their full potential. 

The DEIB Office develops activities and training to cultivate a climate in which all members are treated fairly and able to thrive in a welcoming atmosphere. This work is compliant with nondiscrimination laws, ADA laws, the SCA mission statement, and our governing documents, especially our policies on harassment, bullying, and hate speech.  

DEIB Documents, Classes, and Other Resources & Links

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please contact the Kingdom DEIB Officer. 

Report an Incident

If you believe you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed, bullied, or subject to hate speech, there is help and the first step is to tell us about it. Contact your Kingdom Seneschal or the President of the SCA

DEIB Concepts

Diversity means the presence of difference, or variety, within our groups. We  each have different characteristics, preferences, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, labels, cultures, and beliefs. In the SCA, we do not allow something as organic as variety to hinder the very organization we love and support. 

Equity means equal access. When people come together in groups, some have advantages while others have disadvantages. In the context of this office, equity means a process to ensure that everyone has equal access to the same opportunities in the SCA. It also means being treated with the same courtesy, respect, and dignity as everyone else, no matter how you are different. 

Inclusion means being welcomed and truly valued for what you contribute. It means that no matter your race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or able-ness, you are accepted. Verna Myers explains, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” This office will be using the framework of Inclusive Excellence. 

Belonging is the outcome of holding space where everyone truly feels empowered to speak up, make change, and shift the culture. It is the responsibility of those in leadership and of the dominant social culture to create these conditions. 

What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging mean for members of CAID and the SCA? 

First, that we are aware of issues going on in the world we live in and we know that our organization is not insulated from the impacts of implicit bias. 

Second, that to be successful we must welcome and value new and existing members who are different from 90% of our populace. 

Third, that discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and hate speech will NOT be tolerated in our Society. 

Lastly, is that we take action. We value chivalry and live by those tenets we claim to hold as ideal. When a participant violates the code of conduct we require, we let them know that they can adjust their behavior. The phrase, “if you see something, say something” can be applied here. 

Our job as members isn’t to judge other members but to be clear on what actions are acceptable. You can simply let a member know that, “we don’t treat people here in the SCA/CAID”, or “that violates our core values”, or “that statement/action isn’t acceptable”. If you have tried that without result, or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can report the incident to your local Seneschal who will report to you Kingdom Seneschal. 

Use the information here to educate yourself on bias, cultural intelligence, and inclusive excellence. Understand the bias exists and is doesn’t make one a bad person; it is simply something to be aware of and to challenge so that you don’t act on bias, mistreat any member of CAID or the SCA, or violate our laws or policies