The Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley (AFPGV) Chapter condemns the injustice, discrimination and prejudice that led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and those before them.

As fundraisers, we are committed to lifting our communities up and we hold dear the value of inclusiveness. In 2020, our chapter was recognized with an IDEA Champion Designation for its commitment to increasing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in the fundraising profession. While we are proud of this achievement, we recognize that there is still much to do within our own field.

As a chapter, we commit to:

1. Helping organizations and fundraisers engage constituents from diverse backgrounds, inclusive of race, national origin, physical ability and sexual orientation;
2. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment that is open to all;
3. Working to recruit and promote professionals from diverse backgrounds. 

We can only achieve these aims with the help of our members. So, we have three simple questions for you that will tell us how to support your efforts:

1. What are you doing to combat racism in Rochester?
2. How are you becoming a more inclusive fundraiser?
3. What can AFPGV be doing better to educate and build diversity within our profession?

Also, I hope that you’ll tune into the AFP Townhall on Anti-Racism, Inclusion and Fundraising on June 15 at 3 p.m. to learn what actions AFP and fundraisers can take to bring about a more inclusive and just profession and society. Click here to learn more and to register. 

AFPGV is here for you and we want to serve as a platform for conversation and for people to express themselves. We want to listen, understand and help find solutions for change.

Wishing you peace.

President, AFPGV Chapter
Director of Advancement
Heritage Christian Services 

 
Diversity Resources:

• St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center Racial Equity & Justice Initiative
• The Issue of Racism in the Fundraising Profession
• Diversity Education Bundle for purchase
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA): Alford Group Mentoring and Leadership Development Program 
• Diversity in Giving: Moving from Awareness to Action (2018 webinar)

If you would like to get involved in our Chapter’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Committee, please contact our IDEA Chair, Alyssa Whitfield at [email protected].