By, Ashley Robinson
Happy Summer! This is Ashley Robinson, Co-Chair of the newly named IDEA Committee. Eugenia Colon is my Co-Chair and Hilary Koss and Spencer Champagne, are this year’s Vice Charis. It’s been such a pleasure joining this team and strategizing on how to make both AFP and the fundraising field a diverse and equitable place that welcomes everyone from all walks of life.
I wanted to provide you with some background on the reasoning behind changing the name of the former Diversity and Inclusion Committee to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access). Following AFPIHQ’s lead, we recognized that titling this committee to include all of our values and principles, provides our membership with a better sense of what we stand for. For more information on AFPIHQ’s process and the work that the Definitions Workgroup did, please take a moment to visit the following: Definitions, Statement of Principle, and Board Policy you will find here: AFP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.) Definitions; AFP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.) Statement of Principles; AFP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.) Board Policy
In February 2018, the AFPDC IDEA Committee held its Annual Kickoff meeting. Below, you will find the 2018 Strategic Priorities established at that meeting. In April, we held the first of two Diversity Dialogues, which was a panel comprised of fundraising professionals varying in career lengths, speaking about mentoring fundraisers of color, and what are some of the successes and challenges that we’ve experienced. This was a wonderfully successful event, that inspired and facilitated a lot of dialogue amongst both the panelists and the audience. We’re looking forward to our next event in October being just as thought-provoking and inspiring, so we hope to see you there!
Strategic Priorities: In 2018, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will work to: (1) change the Committee name to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA); (2) secure sponsorship for 2018 Diversity Dialogues and for future years; (3) update Holiday Calendar the Committee launched in 2017 to ensure inclusion of all major religious holidays; (4) develop proposals on an ongoing basis throughout the year for two Diversity Dialogues presentations and the Bridge Conference (the Committee aims to have an IDEA presentation be made a regular Bridge Conference feature); and, (5) increase Committee member engagement through strategies such as partnerships with Affinity Groups and increased participation in Chapter events and activities.