SIBA Inclusivity Statement

The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance is committed to antiracism, representation, inclusion, equity, and access in all that we do. We believe that diversity and diverse perspectives make our organization stronger and we are committed to equity, dignity, and diversity for all Peoples.

SIBA will:

• Ensure that SIBA policies and procedures are antiracist, create opportunities for everyone, and demonstrate support for historically marginalized Peoples.
• Support and advocate for diverse colleagues, employees, bookstore owners, booksellers, authors, and publishers and other entities in, and that impact, the book industry.
• Actively work with publishers and authors toward a more representative book industry in which all voices are heard.
• Require representation of Black, BIPOC, queer, disabled, and other marginalized authors and books at SIBA events and in SIBA promotions and advertising.
• Meet as staff throughout the year to discuss topics and educate ourselves on issues related to antiracism, antidiscrimination, microaggressions, and supporting underrepresented Peoples.
• Commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion training for staff and Board members.
• Commit to the core values of mutual respect, listening, empathy, and empowered participation.
• Commit to being socially responsible in our business practices, from where we bank and invest our funds, to supporting equity, access, and sustainability when planning our gatherings and conferences. 
• Commit to transparency and accountability on our anti-racist, diversity, equity, and inclusion, access and representation initiatives, and will actively report what we are doing to the membership.