Learning Together - A Path to Healing and Growth

Dear Colleagues,

We want to talk with you about the AFP in Canada Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Report and what it means for all of us.

First, thank you to everyone who shared their stories in this process. We know it wasn't easy. Some of you opened up about painful experiences, and that took real courage. Your honesty is a gift to all of us.

We want to acknowledge that this audit involved extensive member input - surveys, interviews, and listening sessions with both current and former members. The findings reflect real experiences and perspectives that we must take seriously as we chart our path forward. We know people will have different reactions to what they read. Some may feel validated, others may feel defensive, and still others may feel overwhelmed. All of these responses are human and understandable. What matters most is that we approach these findings with both courage and compassion - courage to face hard truths and compassion for one another as we work through them together.

We also recognize that these findings will resonate differently across our global community. Some chapters and members may see their own experiences reflected clearly in this report, while others may feel these issues are less present in their regions. Both perspectives are valid, and we encourage everyone to approach this as an opportunity to learn and strengthen our entire network.

We'll be straight with you - some of what's in this report is tough to read. But here's what we see: a chance for us to do better, to heal, and to become the AFP we all want to be part of.

So as we move forward together, we promise you:

• We're going to carefully examine what these Canadian insights mean for our global community
• We're going to learn from both the struggles and the innovations happening across our chapters
• We need to get clear about what belonging really means at AFP - not just nice words, but something you can actually feel
• We're going to work on healing the hurt that's pushed some of our members away by practicing accountability and grace so that they feel welcome, valued and safe in their return to our association
• We're going to offer listening sessions where members can share their thoughts and feelings about this report and our path forward
• We're going to build the kind of community where everyone truly belongs

This audit shows us that when we choose engagement over avoidance, when we listen to difficult truths and act on them, real change becomes possible. It's about making sure every single AFP member feels like they matter, like they're heard, like they belong here.

We believe we can get there. With honest conversations, open hearts, and the commitment we see in so many of you, we're going to come out of this stronger.

Thank you for caring about our profession and about each other.

With hope and determination,

Roger D. Ali, Chair, AFP Global Board
H. Art Taylor, President & CEO, AFP Global