As we prepare for the upcoming APTA 2016 Bus & Paratransit Conference and International Bus Roadeo in Charlotte, NC, APTA is taking action to make a positive impact in the local community, affirm APTA and the industry's commitment to diversity and inclusion and ensure all attendees feel welcome in Charlotte.
Here are a few examples of what we are doing:
- In advance of the conference, APTA is working closely with local equality organizations and the City of Charlotte to lend our voice and outreach efforts on the ground. To this end, several APTA staff members will be meeting with Equality North Carolina (an organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for LGBTQ North Carolinians), the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the mayor's office during the first week in May.
- During the conference, APTA will be placing a spotlight on the impact and strength that diversity brings to our industry through social media, on site communications and several diversity events. As such, the APTA Diversity Council will be leading a Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable on Monday, May 16, from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. The Council will also meet in Charlotte to review APTA's Diversity Plan and ensure we are doing all we can at APTA to reflect the values we stand by.
For 134 years, APTA's core values have been modelled on one simple truth: freedom and progress are built on mobility. APTA is committed to being inclusive and does not condone discrimination of any kind against anyone who works for, or uses, public transportation.
Join us in Charlotte as we collectively make a positive impact at this very important time. Come and support the City of Charlotte, which has long had a track record of creating an environment that not only values diversity, but strongly embraces it.
