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Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Beer Culture Industry

The Inclusion Beer Project

Beer is for Everyone
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April 25, 2022
6 Mins read
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The Inclusion Beer Project

A Collaboration for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

by Tom Lyon

 

In the craft beer community today, there are a number of efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI for short. One of these movements, the Inclusion Beer Project (IBP), is gathering momentum in the East Bay Area, and is being spearheaded by the Bay Area Brewer’s Guild along with several Guild members. As the IBP launched during the pandemic, the original idea of hosting in-person events was scrapped in favor of an ongoing collaborative movement, including beer releases from participating breweries.

 

Recently, the Guild did a benchmark survey in order to get an idea of how representative (or not) the Bay Area beer scene was for historically marginalized communities. DeVonne Buckingham, brewmaster at Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro, as well as Chair of the Bay Area Brewer’s Guild DEI Committee, says the results of the survey were a bit disappointing. Being in the diverse Bay Area, Buckingham said they were expecting to see significantly more representation across Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and Asian demographics than the results of the survey indicated.

 

The benchmark survey done by the Bay Area Brewer’s Guild also revealed that in particular, management and ownership positions were severely underrepresented outside of straight white males, although this falls in line with the national statistics for craft beer. 

 

Read the benchmark survey results here.

 

Just another beer collaboration project?

The IBP has some similarities to other collaborative beer-related efforts of late, but it differs on a key point as well. Like some other group movements, the ultimate goal is to increase the diversity of people throughout the craft beer space, from taproom consumer all the way up to brewery management and ownership. One important avenue to effecting this positive change is by enabling and leading conversations around the issues present in craft beer; in this particular case, a lack of diverse representation in craft beer (besides straight white males).

 

By signing up for the IBP, participants agree to form a DEI committee within their organization. This committee is a great forum for hosting conversations around inclusivity and what can be done to further the cause, and then actually implementing those changes. These conversations, which can guide us through uncomfortable (yet often necessary) changes, are ultimately how we grow and become better humans, businesses, and brands.

 

Significantly, one way in which the IBP differs from many other social movements is that there is no specific monetary component to participation. Whereas other collaborations, whether local, national, or global, have been tied to financial donations to various non-profits or social advocacy groups, the IBP doesn’t require or ask for a buy-in or donation in order to participate. What is an absolutely critical component to participation in the IBP is the formation of a DEI committee. The importance of this is underscored by the fact that the IBP offers resources to help breweries and businesses begin engaging in those difficult conversations around inclusion in its many forms as it relates to society, beer, and beyond.

 

Rather than setting a fundraising goal or donation requirement, Buckingham says that the project has no set end date or specific financial incentive. As listed on the IBP’s website, the whole purpose behind the project is to spark conversation in order to help people begin to take positive action, which will ultimately manifest in creating the positive change needed in the industry. Without that critical first step of engaging in conversation, it’s difficult to imagine real, lasting change coming to fruition.

 

Hella Coastal founders Mario Benjamin (left) and Chaz Hubbard believe their more diverse approach to craft beer will be a game changer. (Photo Courtesy of Hella Coastal)

 

Why does it matter?

So why is this initiative important? Why does it matter to have these kinds of conversations? Well, in case you happen to live under a very large rock, the craft beer space is incredibly disproportionately made up of straight white males (beard optional). Suffice to say, the craft beer industry has a long way to go to achieve equal representation.

 

Putting in the work to build diversity and representation in the craft beer industry matters because when we get to see, hear, and taste more diverse perspectives, we all win.

 

To that end, the Bay Area Brewer’s Guild is in the process of organizing an endowment that will help underrepresented groups access high quality brewing education through the University of California, Davis. While still working through the paperwork process, the endowment is nearing launch and will certainly make an immediate impact.

 

A caution against hiring for posterity

Chaz Hubbard, co-founder of Hella Coastal Brewing and a core contributor to the IBP, says that breweries (and businesses in general) should be careful not to hire diverse people solely for filling out the “diversity checkbox”.

 

“Hire people for their qualifications, not just for their skin color,” says Hubbard. One way to proactively do this is to seek out qualified candidates that may not be currently employed in the craft beer field. Some skills are related enough to translate between similar fields, such as certain barista skills working for bartenders and brewers.

 

As an example, there are many skills in beer, such as some cellar work and packaging (among other important brewery jobs), that can be taught to inexperienced new hires who fit the mold of a good human being that you want working for you. Just because somebody is new to the industry doesn’t mean they should be relegated to busser or food runner, especially if they have the desire to learn.

 

Think outside the straight white box

Thinking outside the box when it comes to hiring is a great way to help increase diversity in the brewing industry. Participating in job fairs or hitting up the local community college job board can yield a much more diverse field of applicants than hiring somebody who already works in craft beer.

 

Another thing Hubbard warns against is hiring people to fill a job simply because they have the right connections. His personal experiences trying to get into the craft beer industry over a decade ago have informed this thought, when he had a tough time finding the right fit after discovering a passion for homebrewing, but not knowing the “right” people to get in the door.

 

Hubbard also says that the way job postings are worded can unintentionally filter out diverse applicants. If a job listing says that applicants must have brewery experience, when in reality they just need some service industry experience and the desire to learn, it can set up roadblocks to quality employees who haven’t worked at a brewery, but want to.

 

Where do we go from here?

As the IBP is a relatively new initiative, Buckingham says they are still searching for the proper balance between bringing awareness to the project, and holding participating breweries accountable to the tenets they agree to.

 

“What kind of measurables do we use?” and “What actually drives change?” are questions she says the Guild are still grappling with. Hubbard echoed the same sentiment, and said that IBP participants should be ready to answer questions from their community as to how they are being proactive in diversity hiring and inclusionary efforts. Signing up to participate in the IBP is a great place to start, but it’s only the beginning. It truly is a commitment and an ongoing effort to be inclusive.

 

The Inclusion Beer Project is, by definition, meant to bring underrepresented folks into the fold of craft beer. Craft beer is far from the only industry that can benefit from increased diversity. There is no perfect solution to this problem, but perhaps the most important thing we can do is start having these conversations. After all, the IBP is defined as an open-ended project that serves as a great conversation starter, opening the door to a more inclusive community, industry, and world.

 

There are a range of quotes surrounding the idea of having a seat at the table, or conversely building an entirely new table. While the quotes all differ, they tend to offer up the same idea: whether the table be expanded, restructured, or destroyed and rebuilt, it’s long past time for the table to look like a proper representation of our society.

 

Photo Courtesy of Sustained Effort.

 

You can learn more about the Inclusion Beer Project, or sign up to participate, at their website: https://inclusionbeerproject.com/

 

beer beer brewing beer industry beer racism brewing Craft Alcohol craft beer Craft beer history craft beer industry Craft Brewing cultural diversity equity inclusion representation matters the inclusion beer project tom lyon
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#Repost from @fermlyknow • WE SPILLED ALL OF THE #Repost from @fermlyknow
•
WE SPILLED ALL OF THE TEA!

Some of you may recall that we sponsored #bigqueerbeerfest last June and made a hard tea with @theteaspot's Hibiscus Petals. "Spill the Tea" was not just a collaboration with our besties over @goldspotbrewing, but a portion of each pour was earmarked for donation to @transtechsocial. Well, the tea has all finally spilled for a total of $1200! 

A huge aspect of Fermly's mission is accessible education, so we were overjoyed when Goldspot suggested TransTech as the benefitting nonprofit of our collab. Their mission is to empower, educate, and employ those facing barriers in education and in the workplace, as well as to reduce instances of discrimination, with a concentration on trans and gender non-conforming individuals. 

Today and everyday, we will continue supporting organizations that empower and encourage growth, education, and joy in the trans community. We see you. 

Check the link in bio for the original blog post!

Thank you to Goldspot for providing space and opportunities to support members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community!

#fermlyknow #knwoyourcraft #knowyourbeer #craftbeer #collabbeer #hardtea #beerscience #craftbeerscience #qaqc #education #beereducation #goldspotbrewing #transtechsocial #transdayofvisibility #transcommunity #brewersassociation
#Repost from @vinepair
•
🤩 VINEPAIR 50 🤩⁠
⁠
With the release of this year's VinePair 50, we're shining a bright light on the difference makers and industry leaders who have been busy shaping our drinks space for the better.⁠
⁠
More than just an accolade, this group of individuals showcases the power in inciting lasting change that will lead to a more innovative and equitable future for all.⁠
⁠
You'll notice that it's not a list bound by age, category, or position, because we believe that being outstanding in your field can happen at any point in a career. Above all else, we aimed to recognize the achievements of people who truly deserve it.⁠
⁠
Visit our link in bio or head to VinePair.com for the names worth keeping an eye on in 2023 and beyond.
#Repost from @alchemicalherbivore • Flashback to #Repost from @alchemicalherbivore
•
Flashback to @capsoulbrewing's We Sip Better release. I'm SO looking forward to RVA's first black-owned brewery.🖤

There are days when it feels like for all the work we put into shifting the landscape toward a more equitable and representative harmony, little actually changes. And then there are those days when you can put your hands on the evidence of irrepressible momentum. 

Feeling gratitude for all those working to shift the balance. #blackexcellence #whereculturemeetscraft #groundup #allshipsrise @uncapeverything @__nb2a
Due to the large size of this release, we are dela Due to the large size of this release, we are delayed by a few days! Stay tuned for more updates. We are excited to reveal this drop, but we need to make sure everything is just perfect. Thanks for your patience and for your continued support! 

Cheers!
Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, we leave this l Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, we leave this letter of love from Sage Grace Dolan-Sandrino (@thhrift), as it was told in the Washington Post. 

Today and all days.
Grateful and honored to be named a @vinepair 50 th Grateful and honored to be named a @vinepair 50 this year! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. May we continue to learn and change this industry and world for the better 🍻 Cheers to all of you 💞

Also, congrats to @daybracey, @barrelandflow, @crownsandhops, @teo_hunter, and @benyashburn for also being named. Proud to stand with all of these amazing leaders on this list.

https://vinepair.com/the-vinepair-50-2023/
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#Repost from @fermlyknow • WE SPILLED ALL OF THE #Repost from @fermlyknow
•
WE SPILLED ALL OF THE TEA!

Some of you may recall that we sponsored #bigqueerbeerfest last June and made a hard tea with @theteaspot's Hibiscus Petals. "Spill the Tea" was not just a collaboration with our besties over @goldspotbrewing, but a portion of each pour was earmarked for donation to @transtechsocial. Well, the tea has all finally spilled for a total of $1200! 

A huge aspect of Fermly's mission is accessible education, so we were overjoyed when Goldspot suggested TransTech as the benefitting nonprofit of our collab. Their mission is to empower, educate, and employ those facing barriers in education and in the workplace, as well as to reduce instances of discrimination, with a concentration on trans and gender non-conforming individuals. 

Today and everyday, we will continue supporting organizations that empower and encourage growth, education, and joy in the trans community. We see you. 

Check the link in bio for the original blog post!

Thank you to Goldspot for providing space and opportunities to support members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community!

#fermlyknow #knwoyourcraft #knowyourbeer #craftbeer #collabbeer #hardtea #beerscience #craftbeerscience #qaqc #education #beereducation #goldspotbrewing #transtechsocial #transdayofvisibility #transcommunity #brewersassociation
#Repost from @vinepair
•
🤩 VINEPAIR 50 🤩⁠
⁠
With the release of this year's VinePair 50, we're shining a bright light on the difference makers and industry leaders who have been busy shaping our drinks space for the better.⁠
⁠
More than just an accolade, this group of individuals showcases the power in inciting lasting change that will lead to a more innovative and equitable future for all.⁠
⁠
You'll notice that it's not a list bound by age, category, or position, because we believe that being outstanding in your field can happen at any point in a career. Above all else, we aimed to recognize the achievements of people who truly deserve it.⁠
⁠
Visit our link in bio or head to VinePair.com for the names worth keeping an eye on in 2023 and beyond.
#Repost from @alchemicalherbivore • Flashback to #Repost from @alchemicalherbivore
•
Flashback to @capsoulbrewing's We Sip Better release. I'm SO looking forward to RVA's first black-owned brewery.🖤

There are days when it feels like for all the work we put into shifting the landscape toward a more equitable and representative harmony, little actually changes. And then there are those days when you can put your hands on the evidence of irrepressible momentum. 

Feeling gratitude for all those working to shift the balance. #blackexcellence #whereculturemeetscraft #groundup #allshipsrise @uncapeverything @__nb2a
Due to the large size of this release, we are dela Due to the large size of this release, we are delayed by a few days! Stay tuned for more updates. We are excited to reveal this drop, but we need to make sure everything is just perfect. Thanks for your patience and for your continued support! 

Cheers!
Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, we leave this l Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, we leave this letter of love from Sage Grace Dolan-Sandrino (@thhrift), as it was told in the Washington Post. 

Today and all days.
Grateful and honored to be named a @vinepair 50 th Grateful and honored to be named a @vinepair 50 this year! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. May we continue to learn and change this industry and world for the better 🍻 Cheers to all of you 💞

Also, congrats to @daybracey, @barrelandflow, @crownsandhops, @teo_hunter, and @benyashburn for also being named. Proud to stand with all of these amazing leaders on this list.

https://vinepair.com/the-vinepair-50-2023/
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About Us

Beer is for Everyone

SMALL NON-PROFIT MEDIA PUBLICATIONS

Beer is for Everyone is a grass roots project that was born from the need for more diverse bodies, spaces, and voices within the craft beer community. We look to encourage the inclusion of all people who love craft beer.

Most Popular

Lone Star Riddles

Yellow plastic crates with beer bottles in a brewery.,Bairds Brewery,Japan

The Beer Boom

Sharing beer

Colonialism and the Legacy of Lager in Mexico

Mexican alcohol cocktail chelada with light beer and lime juice
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