Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) at Chautauqua
One of Chautauqua Institution’s core shared values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” As a values-driven organization, Chautauqua sees IDEA as firmly rooted in the mission of the Institution, and it directly correlates with the vision and objectives set forth in the organization’s 2019–2028 strategic plan, 150 Forward. The resources listed below represent our collective efforts to welcome and celebrate diverse communities and individuals to our grounds and programs. A full listing of our community groups is available here.
Contact
Amit Taneja
Senior Vice President & Chief IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Officer
ataneja@chq.org
IDEA Plan 2022-2024
IDEA is a cross-cutting imperative for the Institution’s strategic goals. The IDEA plan outlines specific objectives, focus areas and outcomes that will help us achieve our vision of becoming a truly just, equitable and inclusive organization.
African American Heritage House
The African-American Heritage House (AAHH) an organization, informed by the African American Experience, committed to strengthening Chautauqua by encouraging and welcoming diversity, fostering honest conversations, and adding new voices to the programmatic mix.
Chautauqua Women’s Club
The Chautauqua Women’s Club, founded in 1889, has enjoyed a long, proud, vital history as an integral part of the Chautauqua experience.
LGBTQ+ and Friends
The LGBTQ and Friends Group at Chautauqua Institution aims to expand diversity within the Chautauqua Institution community by creating a sense of welcome and shared community for LGBTQ people and by educating family, friends, allies, teachers, pastors and others, through dialogue, about the LGBTQ community and their experience.
Denominations and Religious Organizations
In addition to Department of Religion programs, Denominational Houses and religious organizations at Chautauqua Institution offer religious services, lectures and low-cost housing options during the nine-week Chautauqua season.
Accessibility at Chautauqua
Information regarding accessibility features, policies and recommendations can be found here.
CHQ Dialogues
The Chautauqua Dialogue Program is devoted to the ideal that people of widely differing backgrounds and opinions can communicate in open, kind and compassionate ways that bridge their differences with love and understanding. The intention is for participants to experience dialogue as an important tool for building compassion, understanding and community.
From the IDEA Desk: Weekly Columns in The Chautauquan Daily
Nine weekly columns were published in The Chautauquan Daily during the 2022 & 2023 summer seasons to provide updates and promote dialogues around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. These columns are available via the link below.
IDEA Related News
Chautauqua institution has appointed Amit Taneja as its first Senior Vice President and Chief IDEA Officer. He provides leadership and serves as a facilitator to bring groups of constituents together to ensure the collective success of our IDEA efforts.