AFP South Sound IDEA Values Statement
The mission of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is to enable people and organizations throughout the world to practice effective and ethical fundraising through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy.
In an effort to achieve this mission, and recognizing the spectrum of demographics represented in our area, AFP South Sound commits to:
- Recruit and include the perspective of all voices. We strive to use perspectives and voices to create opportunity for education and growth for the South Sound fundraising community.
- Reflect the diversity of the South Sound Region through the recruitment of members from all represented demographics including (but not limited to) age, appearance, racial and ethnic identity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, physical capability, familial situation, and beliefs. Additionally, we seek to recruit representation from across the spectrum of nonprofits and organizations across the entire chapter.
- Promote equity for all members and program attendees in an effort to create opportunity for success in the fundraising field.
- Provide access and remove barriers for all members and program attendees, thinking especially about those with physical limitations, family considerations, or those needing accommodations.
Further, AFP South Sound recognizes that justice is inherent in elevating the voices of people who have been and continue to be underrepresented. AFP South Sound commits to advocating for justice and promoting events and activities related to the fundraising profession that promote justice for all in our community.
This values statement is the anchor for the AFPSS 2023-2025 Strategic Plan.
Voted on and approved by the AFPSS Board on November 10, 2020.
IDEA Definitions
IDEA Purpose Statement: Cultivate an attitude within our chapter to welcome and sustain a diversity of members and groups, proactively promote equity, foster inclusion and allow people to maximize their contribution to our chapter and community.
Inclusion
Inclusion for AFP South Sound is defined as continually creating environments that attract, retain, accommodate, and involve a range of diverse individuals or groups who feel valued, welcomed, accepted and encouraged to fully participate in various chapter roles, including leadership within our chapter. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people.
Diversity
Diversity means our chapter has the broadest possible representation of individuals, experiences, perspectives and organizations reflective of the communities we serve in the South Sound. 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, mobility and ability, sexual orientation or identity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, parental status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities.
Equity
Equity entails creating opportunities for a diversity of individuals and groups according to their respective needs so that inclusion and access can be realized. It involves 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 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.
Access
Access involves removing barriers to chapter participation to more equitably allow South Sound fundraisers access to resources and activities. Access also involves giving equitable opportunity to everyone along the continuum of human ability and experience.
Voted on and approved by the AFPSS Board on May 14, 2019.