INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY and ACCESs Policy
AFP Triangle Vision: Create a world of generosity that includes positive social good through fundraising best practices.
AFP Triangle Mission: To empower individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.
AFP Triangle recognizes that Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) is essential for effective philanthropy. We hereby endorse the IDEA Policy adopted by AFP Global on October 14, 2017 with particular emphasis on the following values and goals:
- Effective philanthropy requires a continuous renewal and gathering of ideas and perspectives that reflect the evolving needs and diversity of the communities we serve through the equitable participation of its members. AFP Triangle strives to practice equity for all in terms of rights, benefits, access, and opportunities.
- AFP Triangle recognizes inclusion as essential to the vitality; creativity; innovation; strength; and, impact of our 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.
- AFP Triangle is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in all forms including in the organization membership, selection of staff, volunteers, board members, and working groups.
- AFP Triangle’s President will report to the Membership and to AFP Global at least yearly on initiatives taken to advance our Inclusion and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity and access.
- AFP Triangle will lead our sector in achieving inclusion, diversity, equity and access by taking continuous, quantifiable actions, dedicated to these goals, throughout AFP Triangle governance; leadership and staff; committees; membership; volunteers; and, programs and activities.
Words Matter – Our Definitions:
Inclusion: The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. While an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious or ‘implicit bias’ helps organizations to be deliberate about addressing issues of inclusivity.
Diversity: All the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, non-religion, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple cultural identities.
Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some individuals or groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
Access: The commitment to foster attitudes, behaviors, and procedures to facilitate access that promotes equity and diversity, fosters inclusion and allows people to maximize their contribution to and involvement in our association and communities that our members serve.
Approved by Board on 06/05/2020
Revised 02/05/2021
Reaffirmed 1/18/2022
