tan rectangular banner with an Affinity Group logo in a gold circle and affinity group logos on the far right at an angle

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)
Inclusion Makes our Profession Stronger

Cross-pollinating ideas among those from diverse backgrounds fuels innovation and keeps us all sharp. Diversity and inclusion are a cornerstone of AFP Chicago’s values that guides our governance, our organization, and our programs.

AFP Chicago is honored by the “Friends of Diversity” designation from AFP International. The award recognizes our chapter’s effectiveness in embracing and engaging diverse individuals, groups, and organizations within our profession. AFP Chicago has earned this designation annually since 2007, its charter year.


Land Acknowledgment Statement

AFP Chicago recognizes that the land on which we live and work includes the traditional homelands of the Miami, Sauk, Ho-Chunk, Menomonee, and the Council of the Three Fires: The Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Our city is still home to more than 40,000 Native Americans.

By acknowledging the land, we recognize that it holds significance for its original stewards: the Native Nations and peoples of the region.


Brave & Safe Space Agreement

In order for us to communicate openly and honestly, AFP Chicago proposes a brave and safe space agreement. The agreement is that all participants will help to create our space, while bearing these principles in mind:

  • Keep Focused
  • Notice Power Dynamics in the Room
  • Create Spaces for Multiple Truths and Norms
  • Be Kind and Brave
  • Be Mindful of the Space You Take Up
  • Examine Biased Systems and Processes
  • Look for Learning


AFP Chicago Affinity Groups Meetings

AFP Chicago's Affinity Groups are formed around common interests or issues. They offer opportunities to meet and form relationships with colleagues who have similar backgrounds and identities. Come broaden your professional network and join AFP Chicago at an upcoming Affinity Group meeting.

Visit our Affinity Groups page for more information. Or check our Calendar of Events page to sign up for an upcoming meeting.

Resources

AFP Chicago IDEA Workshop: Intro to Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion Resources

Racial Equity Terminology

AFP Chicago Board Resolution and Policy on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access


Past Recording

We know your schedule is tight and so we’re offering this previously recorded program that can be watched from the comfort of your own home at your own pace. Bringing fundraising experts and thought leaders right to your desktop or mobile device.

Queering Philanthropy:
A Panel Discussion on Cultivating LQBTQ Donors

On September 23, 2020, the AFP Chicago LGBTQ+  Affinity Group presented an engaging panel discussion focused on cultivating philanthropy within the LGBTQ+ community. Our panelists discussed current giving trends, stewardship strategies, and the future of LGBTQ-focused giving both from the perspective of development professionals as well as philanthropists. 

MODERATOR:
BETSY RUBINSTEIN, MA, 2018 AFP Chicago Chamberlain Scholar, Major Gifts Officer, Lambda Legal

PANELISTS:
RICHARD BURNS, Consultant and Interim Executive Director, Johnson Family Foundation
DENISE FOY, Vice President, Health Solutions Business Operations, American Medical Association, Co-Chair LGBT Community Fund, Chicago Community Trust
ZAKIYA LORD, Senior Philanthropic Officer, Movement Voter Project

View Recording


AFP Chicago, We Stand in Solidarity.

The unjust murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others, and the unrest of the past week, has left our AFP Chicago community and our nation anguished and outraged. The tremendous outpouring of grief, anger, and pain we are seeing today is deeply rooted in systemic racism in our country and continued violence against the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community. We must be moved to act and be willing to do our part to create a more just and equitable world - because Black lives matter.

We stand in solidarity with our friends, colleagues, and those fighting for racial justice. AFP Chicago is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) for our members and our community. We are proud of the progress we have made, while acknowledging that we have more work to do. We continue to advance IDEA in our programming. We aim for at least 50 percent of our volunteers (speakers, committees, board of directors) to represent communities of color. Our Fellows program recognizes emerging leaders from underrepresented communities, and we award an annual IDEA scholarship for young professionals. We know that we can and should do better. We invite you to hold us accountable as we improve our efforts. 

Our chapter also offers a variety of affinity groups to promote dialogue and engage in conversations around common interests or issues. Join us in these conversations, even though they may be difficult, and be a part of the change this world needs to see.

As fundraisers and non-profit leaders, we have a responsibility to show up, stand up, and speak up in matters of racial and social justice. That is our challenge. That is our commitment.