ACPA Labor Commitments

ACPA recognizes that higher education, student affairs, and our own association have been shaped by the labor of countless individuals whose contributions have often gone unseen, undervalued, or uncompensated. Labor commitments provide an opportunity to acknowledge these histories while taking meaningful action to create more equitable, just, and humane practices today.

As an association committed to scholarship, critically reflective practice, and advocacy for equitable and inclusive learning environments, ACPA believes labor justice is essential to advancing our mission. Labor commitments complement our Land Acknowledgment practices by recognizing the people whose labor—past and present—has sustained institutions, communities, and organizations.

Our commitment extends beyond acknowledgment. We seek to create structures, policies, and practices that recognize labor, address inequities, and foster accountability throughout our work.

What Are Labor Commitments?

For ACPA, labor commitments are both statements of values and commitments to action. They recognize the historical and contemporary labor that has contributed to higher education and student affairs, including:

• The labor of enslaved Africans and their descendants who helped build many educational institutions;
• The labor of historically marginalized groups, including enslaved Africans, service workers, and graduate student workers;
• The unpaid and emotional labor often expected of marginalized communities especially Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+, and disabled professionals;
• Committing to fair and equitable treatment of ACPA volunteers, staff, and members.

Labor commitments invite us to reflect on how labor is recognized, compensated, distributed, and valued, while encouraging action that promotes fairness, dignity, and justice.

Our Labor Philosophy

ACPA’s approach to labor commitments is grounded in four core principles:

Interdependence

Our profession thrives through the collective efforts of many individuals. No conference, publication, initiative, or educational experience succeeds without the contributions of countless people whose work often remains unseen. We are committed to recognizing these contributions and promoting equitable distributions of labor.

Intersectionality

Labor inequities do not affect everyone equally. We recognize that race, gender, disability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and other identities shape how labor is experienced, valued, and rewarded. Our commitments are informed by an intersectional understanding of justice.

Transparency and Accountability

We commit to openly communicating our labor practices and examining how labor is distributed within our association. Transparency allows us to identify inequities and pursue meaningful change.

Recognition and Reparative Action

Acknowledgment is only the beginning. We believe labor justice requires action. ACPA is committed to exploring policies, practices, and resource allocations that address historical and contemporary inequities while creating more equitable systems for the future.

Our Commitments

ACPA views labor commitments as an ongoing journey rather than a completed initiative. As our understanding of labor justice evolves, so too will our practices and commitments. By honoring labor, acknowledging historical and contemporary inequities, and pursuing meaningful action, ACPA seeks to model an equitable and justice-centered approach for the student affairs profession. Together, we can create a culture that recognizes the dignity, humanity, and contributions of all who labor within and around our communities.

1. Developing Intentional Labor Practices – ACPA is committed to integrating labor recognition and labor justice into our organizational culture and association activities. We will:

• Maintain and update this Labor Commitments webpage as a public expression of our values and actions.
• Incorporate labor acknowledgment practices into association events and educational experiences.
• Develop convention-specific labor acknowledgment resources that recognize the labor histories and contemporary labor realities of host communities.
• Promote transparency regarding labor-related practices and decisions.
• Prioritize partnerships with organizations and businesses that demonstrate commitments to equitable labor practices and social responsibility.

2. Recognizing and Supporting Volunteers – As a volunteer-led association, ACPA recognizes that member engagement and leadership represent significant contributions of time, expertise, and care. We will:

• Expand recognition opportunities for volunteers and leaders.
• Highlight the impact of volunteer service on the association and the profession.
• Communicate volunteer contributions through annual reports and other association communications.
• Recognize employers who support volunteer leadership and service.
• Promote healthy engagement practices that encourage balance, sustainability, and wellbeing.

3. Advancing Labor Justice in Events and Educational Programs – ACPA’s meetings, conventions, and educational programs should reflect our labor commitments. We will:

• Continue incorporating fair labor considerations into site selection and vendor partnerships.
• Recognize and celebrate the contributions of hospitality, custodial, technical, service, and event support personnel.
• Provide educational opportunities that help members understand labor histories, labor justice, and equitable labor practices.
• Develop resources that support labor awareness and action across higher education and student affairs.

4. Exploring Reparative and Equitable Practices – ACPA acknowledges that systems of labor inequity have shaped higher education and professional organizations. We will:

• Examine organizational policies and resource allocation practices through labor and equity lenses.
• Explore opportunities for reparative action where inequities are identified.
• Engage in ongoing conversations about labor rights, professional boundaries, wellbeing, and ethical organizational practices.
• Consider how the profession can address exploitative labor expectations and promote healthier work environments.

5. Aligning Labor Commitments with Social and Racial Justice – Labor justice is inseparable from ACPA’s commitments to social justice and racial justice. We will:

• Integrate labor commitments into the Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization.
• Apply an intersectional lens to labor-related decisions and practices.
• Ensure that labor recognition efforts consider the ways labor inequities disproportionately impact historically marginalized communities.

6. Embedding Labor Recognition into Daily Practice – Labor recognition should not be limited to ceremonies or annual events. We will:

• Encourage routine recognition of labor contributions throughout the association.
• Promote awareness of labor inequities and disproportionate workloads.
• Support leaders, volunteers, and members in developing equitable approaches to labor distribution and engagement.
• Foster a culture where care, contribution, and service are valued and acknowledged.

Acknowledgements

ACPA is grateful to the leadership and labor of the following volunteer leaders who inspired, developed, and/or substantially contributed to this priority:

• Monique Atherley
• Shetina Jones-Smith
• Joshua Knepp
• Jasmine Lee
• Gary Santos Mendoza
• Heather Shea
• Terah “TJ” Stewart
• Leonard Taylor, Jr.