SUMMARY: Grassroots Diversity Action Working Group (GDAWG-SIO) is a volunteer organization of students, staff, and academics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography who value diversity, including, but not limited to, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, sexual, ability, religious, cultural, and intellectual diversity. The mission of GDAWG is to increase the inclusivity and diversity of our SIO community. Our objectives include promoting awareness about issues of diversity and supporting current and prospective members of our community who face difficulties related to their particular backgrounds and perspectives.

MOTIVATION: GDAWG-SIO recognizes that past and persisting racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism and ableism affects members of the SIO community both on and off campus, and that these and other systemic societal behaviors have given rise to a campus community that does not reflect the rich diversity characterizing the people of San Diego and California, as well as a campus environment in which not everyone is treated equitably. We envision a campus that reflects the diversity of the local, regional, state, national, and global communities served by SIO.

APPROACH: GDAWG-SIO employs a combination of grassroots activism and organization, educational and outreach activities, facilitating connections to the broader communities of the San Diego region, events such as film screenings and panel discussions, negotiation with the SIO administration, and other approaches.

DEFINITION OF MEMBER: GDAWG-SIO acknowledges that an interest in fostering diversity can stem from a multitude of motivations, including ethical and moral stances, the documented positive impact of diversity on research excellence, and administrative legal concerns. We welcome as members all students, staff and academics of Scripps Institution of Oceanography who accept our mission statement in both theory and practice, and are willing to work toward a more diverse SIO community, regardless of motivation.

RELATIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS: Relations between members of GDAWG-SIO and with the broader SIO community are defined by working to empower and support each other, and,  particularly, to support and appreciate people of color, womyn, queers and people with varying abilities. We make decisions using consensus procedures (see, e.g., http://seedsforchange.org.uk/free/consens) amongst active volunteers who regularly attend meetings and participate in GDAWG-SIO activities.

HOW TO CHANGE MISSION STATEMENT: Changes to the mission statement require consensus at three successive meetings.