Delegates at the 2021 AIA Annual Meeting voted to approve three resolutions put forth by AIA Pennsylvania, prioritizing investment in underserved communities, emphasizing a pipeline for a more diverse profession, and expanding the influence of the citizen architect running for public office. 2021 AIA Pennsylvania President Jeff Pastva, AIA, led the effort to author the resolutions and secure support for them from across the Institute. Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Chair and 2020 President Marc Mondor, AIA, was integral in leading the committee to bring Resolution 21-1 and Resolution 21-3 to fruition.
Resolution 21-1: Conduct Research into Investments Made in Underserved Communities aims to take a closer look at communities that have historically been underfunded and underserved. Encouraging investment in these communities is integral to promoting greater equity because studies have proven that more minority architects will have projects in these communities. Resolution 21-1 passed with 4498 in favor and 575 against.
Resolution 21-2: The Arch-Elect Initiative will provide training and support for members who are running for public office. This initiative will provide detailed resources to recruit, train, and support members in their campaigns for local, state, and national elections. This resolution passed with 3748 in favor and 1323 against.
Resolution 21-3: Promotion of the U-Dream Program seeks to recreate a program piloted in Pittsburgh from 2009 to 2016 for AIA components across the country. The program had a documented impact of increasing the diversity of the architectural workforce by giving qualified minority candidates meaningful and career-building work experience. This program will provide funding for components to apply for and obtain support to replicate the U-Dream program as a model customizable to their communities. This resolution passed with 3921 in favor and 1310 against.