“The true focus of revolutionary change is never merely the oppressive situations which we seek to escape, but that piece of the oppressor which is planted deep within each of us, and which knows only the oppressors’ tactics, the oppressors’ relationships.” ~ Audre Lorde
The current environment calls for transparency, and truth, and demands that we depart from empty cymbals and go beyond performative measures of diversity, equity and inclusion. The release of the IDEA Audit report by Mide Akerewusi, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Econ), CSR-P, CDEP., Interim President of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter-(AFP-GTC), establishes a baseline from which work begins and facilitates member and public accountability from where real progress and culture shift within AFP-GTC can be measured.
The June 12, 2023 announcement by Birgit Smith Burton, Chair, AFP Global Board of Directors, of the appointment of Mide as the Interim Board President at AFP-GTC, was welcomed with hope and optimism by many who advocated for change. The message was clear and the opportunity for radical and positive change within AFP-GTC was indeed possible. The appointment opened up space for a new model of leadership and from which a new culture could emerge.
As a membership-based organization, a ‘new’ AFP-GTC must choose transparency over secrecy. The release of this AFP-GTC commissioned report, its findings, and recommendations is a critical and necessary step in shifting an organizational culture and organizational practices of secrecy, exclusivity, and power hoarding by a selected few. The practice of ‘values in action’ must be the chosen pathway for moving this organization forward.
Thank you Mide, for your commitment to accountability and for choosing transparency over secrecy. The release of the report is a demonstration of values in action and a message to be shared widely.
Elizabeth LeClairElizabeth LeClair• 1st• 1stIntersectional Feminist, Advocate and Activist. Opinions are my own. 🍉Intersectional Feminist, Advocate and Activist. Opinions are my own. 🍉
Update from AFP GTC’s Interim Board President – AFP Toronto