NEW YORK, NY – The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is proud to announce the
formation of a new entity dedicated to furthering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect
(DEIR) in the lighting industry. The Lighting Advocacy Congress shall serve as a “United
Nations” model for lighting organizations with DEIR missions to coordinate activities, share
experiences, advice, and resources. It will encourage and foster interaction, cooperation, and
collaboration between these organizations to instigate positive change in lighting and related
industries. The IES is proud to be the host and virtual headquarters for this pioneering effort.
The Congress will be funded through benefactors who consist of lighting firms and
manufacturers with a proven record of DEIR principles and practice. These benefactors shall be
encouraged to likewise share resources and knowledge to further DEIR in the manufacturing
realm.
The Congress will meet virtually or in person four times a year starting in early 2024.
Each organization will provide a representative as a voting participant for a two-year term.
Meetings will be organized and moderated by a Secretary General, and recorded by a non-voting
Secretary to be designated by January 2024. All members shall subscribe to a founding charter
which provides the rules and philosophy for the Congress.
The Lighting Advocacy Congress initiative builds upon a century of excellence to create
the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to
its members, allied professional organizations, and the public.
Established in 1906, the Illuminating Engineering Society is the recognized technical and
educational authority on illumination. To learn more, visit: www.ies.org.
