Editorial Freelancers Association
Diversity, Equity & Belonging
Click here for the results of our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Survey!
The EFA continuously strives to support and promote Diversity, Equity & Belonging (DEB) in our community. EFA members in good standing who honor our mission statement and agree to our nondiscrimination statement are welcome to join the DEB chapter. Please fill out this form to join our email list and Slack workspace. If you have questions about our strategic priority to elevate and integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization and across all EFA programs, you may email us at DEB@the-efa.org.
DEB Mission Statement:
- To support a more diverse membership in the EFA by welcoming members of groups that have historically been marginalized and by promoting equitable access for all
- To publicize the EFA’s diverse membership in order to attract a wide customer base, benefitting potential clients, members, and the organization as a whole
- To connect and support EFA members with educational and professional resources on diversity
- To partner with writers, organizations, and initiatives that seek to promote diversity
- To create and advocate for fair and accurate content that honors the diverse experiences of readers and writers, especially as this relates to race, nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability
Nondiscrimination Statement (updated June 2022):
We at the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) welcome and value members of all backgrounds. We don’t discriminate, but more than that, we want the EFA to be an organization where all can feel they belong. We welcome people of every ability, age, ancestry, belief system, body size or appearance, citizenship, color, culture, education, gender expression, gender identity, health, military status, national or ethnic origin, neurotype, race, parental status, relationship status, religion, sexual orientation, and/or socio-economic background. We are nothing without our members, and encourage everyone to volunteer, to serve on the board, and to participate in our community.
Ruth Mullen Memorial Scholarship:
The EFA has partnered with the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to launch the Editorial Freelancers Association Ruth Mullen Memorial Scholarship program to support current students and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pursuing future careers in publishing and communications. The entire publishing industry has not equitably provided careers for marginalized groups, and especially not for Black professionals. Supporting this scholarship program is one step in helping right that wrong, so please consider giving generously through our Donate page on the UNCF website and sharing the link with your friends and associates. The more money we raise on behalf of the program, the greater the number of scholarships we can provide!
Welcome Program:
The Welcome Program offers new members the opportunity to optimize their EFA membership benefits and grow their professional networks. Newcomers are paired with an experienced editorial professional who will offer guidance on how to navigate the EFA. Learn more about the program.
Diversity-Focused Events:
The DEB supports EFA-wide events that focus on diversity. To see our recent and upcoming events, visit the Events calendar and use the Diversity Initiative category filter.
Self-Paced Courses:
Editing for Conscious and Inclusive Language
Recorded Webinars:
Microaggressions in Editing: Understanding Bias and Undoing Harm
Trans Allyship for Writers and Editors
Resources:
Word List of Diversity and Contested Terms
Sensitivity Reads: A Guide for Professional Editors (booklet)
Language Bias: An Editor’s Guide to Biased Language (booklet)