Chapter Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.) Chair Job Description

This is a general job description of the duties of the role of the chapter Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (IDEA) chair. Chapters are encouraged to customize chapter leader job descriptions for their particular needs.

Function: To implement and monitor the chapter’s IDEA goals and objectives. To insure that IDEA is incorporated into all aspects of the chapter’s operations.

The person selected for this position should be deeply committed to the vision of IDEA as promoted within the chapter. Each chapter’s determination as to what constitutes diversity for them will be based on unique chapter attributes, including membership demographics, geographic location and size. The ultimate goal is for the membership to reflect the demographics of the area served by the chapter as well as to represent the broad range of organizations and development shops promoting philanthropy and ethical fundraising.

Major Responsibilities:

• Report to the Chapter President, Board of Directors and membership on a regular basis as to the committee’s objectives and activities. This report should be delivered at least once per year.
• Coordinate and plan with the Membership Chair to promote diverse populations in membership.
• Recruit members for the IDEA Committee. One person from every chapter committee should sit on the  committee. This ensures that IDEA is considered in all chapter operations.
• Ensure IDEA is included in the Chapters' strategic plan.
• Work with the Nominating Committee to make sure the Board of Directors is representative of the community that the chapter serves.
• Work with the  Education Chair to plan a yearly IDEA session. 
• Assess the chapter for its diversity and inclusion efforts. Determine where the chapter currently is and where it would like to go. This can include member demographics, educational programming and where chapter meetings are held.
• Ensure nomination proceedings are equitable from the standpoint of a diverse membership.
• Write an IDEA article for the chapter newsletter. 
• Apply for the Charles R. Stephens Excellence in Diversity Award of each year.
• Apply for the IDEA Champion (formerly Friends of Diversity) designation each year.
• Act as a liaison with local affinity groups of fundraisers serving a particular background. Determine if joint programming can occur between this local group and the AFP chapter. Refer to the Blueprint for Building a Highly Diverse Chapter as a reference.
• Encourage involvement of members in promoting diverse populations in the chapter and in their own organizations.
• Develop programs that respond to the needs of chapter members in promoting diverse populations within their own organizations.
   

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