Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
Statement
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Nashville Chapter is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse organization that reflects, is responsive to, and embraces the diversity of the Middle Tennessee community; respecting and valuing all people.
AFP is committed to promoting an inclusive, equitable and accessible organization where every member, volunteer, staff and board member can realize their potential and have their contributions valued.
AFP recognizes that Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) are central to its mission. The following are AFP’s Statement of IDEA Principles:
Recognizing others as different but equal.
Respect and empathy for all.
Trust and integrity that facilitates the integration of different and multiple voices in organizational discourse.
Demonstrated appreciation for different voices, active listening; open to disparate viewpoints and opinions, and facilitating dialogues among the diverse groups.
Practicing and encouraging transparent communication in all interactions.
Developing participative decision making; problem solving; and, team capabilities.
Exploring potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.
Resolution Concerning Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access:
WHEREAS the vision of AFP Nashville is to stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice; and,
WHEREAS the mission of AFP is to empower individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy; and,
WHEREAS philanthropy requires a continuous renewal of ideas and perspectives that reflect the evolving needs and diversity of the communities it is embedded in through the equitable participation of its members; and,
WHEREAS AFP recognizes inclusion as essential to the vitality; creativity; innovation; strength; and, impact of any organization; and, that inclusion involves respectful environments intentionally open to all; values and welcomes the contributions and equitable participation of every individual; and, reflects and represents those they serve; and,
WHEREAS AFP recognizes the diverse makeup within and between the communities that we serve and values these differences as integral to our overall makeup, operation and effectiveness as a worldwide association.; and,
WHEREAS AFP will be guided by the principle that equity means more than treating people in the same way; it requires creating a level playing field for individuals or groups according to their respective needs, which may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities; and,
WHEREAS AFP is committed to fostering attitudes, behaviors, and procedures to facilitate access that promotes equity and diversity, fosters inclusion and allows people to maximize their contribution to our association and communities they serve; and,
WHEREAS AFP is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and access in the selection process and criteria for all staff, volunteer positions, board appointments, committees and working groups; and,
WHEREAS the AFP Board will set IDEA goals appropriately to convey the importance of these elements throughout our work
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AFP will lead our community of fundraisers in achieving inclusion, diversity, equity and access by taking continuous, quantifiable actions, dedicated to these goals, throughout our governance; leadership and staff; committees; membership; volunteers; and, programs and activities.
