A Time for Change

There are tipping points in history when systemic cultural and economic inequities must be faced head-on with courage and commitment. We at ASOR believe that our society is facing such a tipping point now with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rarely do we see such a convergence of understanding and a desire for change. In this moment, ASOR is fortunate that one of our trustees has taken the initiative to provide a 2-for-1 challenge gift that will enable our organization to create sustainable change.

An Exciting Initiative

ASOR has long aspired to be an instrument of change, and it is a recognized leader for setting professional, ethical, academic, and cultural standards. Nothing illustrates this better than this exciting and generous 2-for-1 challenge gift of $150,000. This is the cornerstone of a targeted campaign to raise $250,000 to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The purpose of this initiative is to permanently increase participation in ASOR by students and scholars who are African American/Black and Indigenous Persons of Color (BIPOC). By acting effectively now, ASOR can be a leader in setting standards and procedures to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How the Matching Challenge Works

This ambitious, expedited campaign, made possible by a 2:1 leadership pledge of $150,000 by Trustee Carolyn Midkiff Strange, has a June 30 deadline. From now until the end of June, every dollar contributed to this campaign (up to a total of $75,000) is being matched with two dollars. A contribution of $100 will be matched with $200, a gift of $5,000 will be matched with $10,000, and so on.

Immediate Actions

In the short term (2021), ASOR will use $50,000 to increase participation in ASOR by BIPOC students at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels. ASOR will also underwrite Summer Stipends, Annual Meeting travel grants, and mentoring programs for BIPOC students and scholars.

The rest of the short-term funds (for 2021) will buoy an already-launched partnership with Archaeology in the Community (AITC). AITC is a successful non-profit centered in Washington, D.C. that fosters student and community involvement in archaeology, with an emphasis on under-served groups. Together with AITC — and building on their experience — we are developing educational resources to promote engagement in archaeology by secondary-level students.

A Permanent Endowment

ASOR will use the remaining $200,000 from this campaign to establish a permanent endowment that will generate $10,000 per year to support research scholarships, internships, and travel fellowships dedicated to BIPOC students and scholars. These fellowships will be a foundation for future efforts and will be a tangible sign of ASOR’s commitment to long-term change.

Join Us

Extending social equity and equal opportunity throughout all sectors of our world is one of the foremost challenges facing us today. You can join ASOR in making this change happen. Please consider a gift of any amount to help us earn this extraordinary $150,000 challenge gift.

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