Diversity

2012 marks the third year that the AFP Silicon Valley Chapter has infused diversity into the inner workings of our Chapter by leveraging the Diversity Council.  As opposed to having a stand-alone committee that dictates and drives diversity initiatives for our Chapter, we have instead, developed a Diversity Council comprised of members from each committee.  These Diversity Council members meet once a quarter to discuss ideas and bring committee issues to the surface to see how we might 1) better represent the communities that we serve and 2) see how we might modify our processes and business practices so that they are more inclusive.

AFP has defined diversity as “the seeking and achieving of a broad representation of experiences, perspectives, opinions and cultures.”  The benefit of diversifying our chapter is similar to reasons why we want to diversify our donor base.  With a range of experiences, we bring about new ways of thinking, new ways of doing things and new ways to connect (with donors and each other).

Because we are always looking for new perspectives, joining the Diversity Council is a great place to begin your involvement with AFP SVC. Please contact me if you would like more information or if you would like to get involved.

America is not like a blanket- one piece of unbroken cloth.
America is more like a quilt-
many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes,
all woven together by a common thread.
-Rev. Jesse Jackson

Melissa Luke
VP of Diversity
melissa.luke@aaci.org