Summary: This year’s theme of “We the People” invites exploration and discussion of diversity within the profession at the AIA national convention in Boston, May 15–17. Beyond race, gender, nationality, religion, abilities, disabilities, and socioeconomic background, diversity for architects embraces ways to include every point of view and foster collaboration for the good of our communities—and our projects. Below are some of the ways you can learn more about and contribute to the great melting pot that makes up architecture.

Be a mentor—gain a shadow: Returning for its second year in a row is the Shadow an Architect program. Local school students interested in an architecture career will be paired with an architect mentor (that would be you!) for the day, May 16, attending the Friday General Session and touring the Expo Floor. To volunteer as a mentor, register online or contact Yvette Morris, diversity@aia.org by May 2.

Take five in the Diversity Lounge: New this year is the Diversity Lounge, located in the AIA Town Square on the expo floor—open every day during the convention. Come learn about the Diversity Plenary that took place April 14–16 in St. Louis, check out the AIA’s updated diversity Web page, and network with other architects who have diversity on their minds.

Rise and shine and take this seminar: Join Cameron Hall, AIA, and Margaret Montgomery, AIA, of NBBJ in Seattle, for “Civic Duty and the Architect: Helping to Change Communities Through the Design Process” (TH14), Thursday, May 15, 7–8 a.m. They’re asking: “As we examine our place in the world, should we not also consider the civic duty of the architect?“ Architects, by the very nature of their work, have the ability to shape vibrant, dynamic, and healthy communities. Come discover what happens when this power is used for the greater good.

Be inspired by Norma: Join the legendary 2008 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award recipient, Norma Sklarek, FAIA, to hear about the challenges she has overcome and her contributions to society as she addresses the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award Forum on Thursday, May 15, 4:00–5:30 pm. She is living proof that architects affect society well beyond the buildings and cities they design.

Party, party, party: There are lots of choices, including:

• The Women in Architecture Dinner (E30), Thursday, May 15, 7:00–9:30 p.m, at the Algonquin Club, where the keynote speakers will be Jane Weinzapfel, FAIA, and Andrea P. Leers, FAIA, principals and founders of Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects, Boston, the 2007 AIA Firm Award recipient.

• The Gay and Lesbian Caucus and Reception (E46), Friday, May 16, 6:00–7:30 p.m., at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

• Minority Fellows Reception (E37), Saturday, May 17, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

Hope to see you in Boston!