The Women’s National Book Association would like to formally announce the passage of a preamble to our By Laws. With the help of board members Renee Jadushlever and Sheryl Bize-Boutte, the preamble was penned in late 2020 and officially added to our by-laws in May 2021. The Preamble will be added to our national website in the members’ section: www.wnba-books.org.
Preamble
The following bylaws shall be governed and executed through an active and demonstrative practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter’s mission. The WNBA-SF Chapter will engage in a continuous commitment and intentional practice of assuring the presence and meaningful participation and celebration of Black, indigenous and people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, historically marginalized identities, and people with disabilities, in its programming, membership and leadership.
Please take a moment to reflect and remember that the Women’s National Book Association was founded to give voice through the written word to those who have had a history of not having a voice. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the founder of our chapter, Ms. Effie Lee Morris, a pioneering educator, activist and librarian. We honor her legacy of continuous commitment and intentional practice and celebration of Black, indigenous and people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, historically marginalized identities, and people with disabilities in our programming, membership and leadership. This Preamble, embedded in the bylaws of our organization, serves to assure that the implementation of equity and non-discrimination is included in all WNBA-SF programming, policy and business operations and remains a permanent and integral aspect of WNBA-SF culture.
Thank you for your continued support of WNBA-SF,
Elise Marie Collins, President