IDEA AUDIT REPORT

Click here to read full AFP Ottawa Chapter IDEA Audit Report

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access

AFP Ottawa Chapter is committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) in the fundraising profession, the philanthropic sector and throughout all of society. AFP Ottawa Chapter is involved in numerous projects and partnerships related to IDEA.

Statement by the Board of Directors of the AFP Ottawa Chapter: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) 

Building inclusive spaces requires candid, authentic conversations on tough and complex subjects. AFP Ottawa wishes to acknowledge the troubling allegations of racist behaviour in the AFP Greater Toronto Area Chapter and the important step of naming Olumide (Mide) Akerewusi as the chapter’s Interim President. We send our support to Mide and his team. We stand ready to assist however possible.

AFP Ottawa condemns any and all forms of racism and discrimination. We sympathize and stand with anyone who has experienced racism in any form.

 

Systemic racism is real and continues to be a challenge for racialized communities and Indigenous peoples. We believe that when racism is named as a problem it creates an opportunity for discourse that can lay the groundwork for meaningful change, which has the potential to benefit everyone. We are hopeful that AFP Global and the Greater Toronto Chapter will take the necessary steps to engage in open dialogue with those involved in the spirit of reparation.

 

We also recognize that while this has sparked a great deal of reflection throughout our sector, it may also trigger thoughts of current and past discrimination for our colleagues. We hope that you take the time to process, reflect and recharge. We’ve included some resources below should you wish to use them.

 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) is an important pillar that guides all of our work. We care deeply about creating an environment where IDEA thrives and where everyone feels welcomed to participate as their true selves. We understand that while we may not always get it right, we’re committed to continuing to show up and put in the work as authentically and substantively as possible.

 

We know that creating this real-world impact for our community’s most pressing challenges is done by using dialogue, collaboration and engagement to co-create sustainable solutions, partnership, exchange knowledge, support community-engaged learning, and to build the capacity of others.

 

In this spirit, last year we decided to embark on a journey to have the AFP Ottawa Chapter independently audited by INclusion INcorporated (ININ). ININ conducted a review of our policies, website, surveyed our members and volunteers using the Inclusion Index (an assessment tool that investigates how members feel about an organization and their experiences within it) and facilitated a series of focus groups. Recently, we received the final report and recommendations from ININ.

 

It’s deeply important to us that we be transparent with our members and that we remain committed to take concrete measures to learn and unlearn. We’re sharing our complete Equity Audit with you here, with a commitment to continue the conversation.

 

Digesting, disseminating and implementing these recommendations will take time, but here’s what you can expect from us as immediate and mid-term next steps:

 

  1. AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day, happening this Thursday, is our city’s premiere opportunity to learn, network and connect. It also provides a chance to reflect and discuss these important topics. Our IDEA Chair, Patrick Newton Bondo, and members of the Chapter’s IDEA Committee, will be available at an exhibition table from 2:30pm to 4:30pm to discuss the work that our Chapter is doing and will do. We also recognize that participating in Fundraising Day requires privilege. If you are unable to join us, but wish to speak to us about this topic, please reach out to the email we’ve shared below.

  2. We will be planning a dedicated session open to all members in the coming months to unpack our Equity Audit, discuss next steps and hear feedback from members, volunteers and friends of the Chapter.

  3. To ensure that we’re creating a space where everyone feels safe to contribute, we also hope to build off of our current Whistleblower Policy by implementing and making transparent a new policy and process for handling complaints. It’s important to us that we safeguard our members so that they’re able to express themselves freely for the betterment of our Chapter.

 

We will develop a plan of action to implement recommendations and we invite the community to join us in this endeavor by joining our IDEA Committee (non-AFP members are welcome). This committee plays a pivotal role in promoting and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within the AFP Ottawa Chapter. They provide valuable insights, input on best practices, and expert opinions to empower our Chapter to implement effective DEI strategies and create positive change.

 

We recognize that we are on our own learning journey, but we also have an opportunity to lead by example and build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful chapter where every member has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. We must speak truth to power by acknowledging that discrimination exists in workplaces and communities, which is a reflection of our history and our society whose toxic systems also continue to oppress Indigenous Peoples.

 

While talking about racism and discrimination in any form has sometimes proven to be difficult and uncomfortable, we believe our culture is changing and we all need to be champions of this change to ensure we are building a better future for everyone.

 

We remain hopeful that as a sector we can work together to build inclusive spaces to the benefit of the communities we serve.

 

We invite feedback, ideas and concerns from all fundraisers regardless of membership status. We welcome you to reach out to secretariat@afpottawa.ca to continue this important conversation.

 

Thank you for your trust and support and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

AFP Ottawa Board of Directors

 

Resources:

AFP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.) Statement of Principles

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse organization that reflects, is responsive to, and embraces the diversity of the communities we serve throughout the world; 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.
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