Dear Fellow SNAME Members,
We are all processing current events in cities and towns across the US and the world. We are having conversations with our families, our friends, our colleagues, and on social media. These are important conversations to have, because by talking about issues, we can be catalysts for real change.
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers is an organization rich in history, which has evolved again and again to accommodate and lead the ever-evolving maritime industry. Founded in 1893 to advance the art, science, and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding and marine engineering, we stay steadfast in our mission as a technically focused professional Society.
However, the world today is not the world of 1893. As a global Society with 5,000 members around the world in over 95 countries, it is critical for us to make clear our values and intention for the future of the Society.
I want you to know that SNAME values inclusion and diversity – we understand that our differences make us stronger. I want you to know that SNAME does not tolerate inequity of any kind, racial or otherwise, and will work to eliminate inequity when we see it. I want you to know that SNAME values each and every one of our members for the individuals that you are.
The faces of SNAME no longer look the same as they did in 1893. While this message cannot erase the experiences of any person, it can affirm a commitment to our membership. We use this moment to reflect on what more we can do to ensure all of our members feel welcome to be part of our community. We want our members to be not only consumers of the technical wealth of knowledge the Society maintains, but also to be contributors and to have a voice to be heard.
At SNAME all our members are welcome and celebrated, as they share their technical experience and expertise with those who share an enthusiasm for and commitment to the maritime profession. We are stronger together. Let’s not ever forget that.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Beckstoffer