June 8, 2020

A Message from ADRP President, Michal Shaw
A Call for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

June 8, 2020
Dear ADRP Members and Supporters,

One of ADRP's core organizational values is "equity, diversity, and inclusion in all endeavors," and our values are at the heart of all we do. Like so many of you, I am heartbroken about the injustices that exist in our world. There is much work to be done and ADRP is committed to being part of the solution.

As an international association representing thousands of members from different countries, backgrounds and preferences, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Acts of racism contradict our values and underscore the need for us to do our part in educating ourselves and each other on how to build a better tomorrow.

I encourage each of you to reflect on what you can do to be part of the solution, and how you can personally advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion at your organization. In the meantime, know that ADRP is committed to cultivating a safe environment where all members from all walks of life are valued.

Our efforts have included the following:
  • In 2019, ADRP issued a Statement of Professional Conduct formally outlining our community’s shared commitment to the highest standards of conduct by and with each other. Included in that statement are principles of Integrity in Words and Action – treating all with equality and dignity; and Respect for All Individuals – without regard to race.
  • The Board engaged a faculty expert from the University of Chicago during our June 2019 meeting to help us learn how to best serve our membership with a perpetual lens of equity, diversity and inclusion and provide helpful tools for members to use in their everyday work in donor relations and stewardship.
  • For this year’s International Conference planning, a member of the ADRP ED&I committee participated on the content committee to ensure that we were mindful of opportunities to pursue and elevate underrepresented voices. More details about the 2020 Conference will be shared later this week, but one of the scheduled keynote speakers will address race and equity.

On behalf of the Board and the ED&I committee, please know we welcome your suggestions for additional action steps to assure we are meeting your needs as a community of donor relations professionals. We also strongly encourage your direct participation in shaping the programming and resources available to our members as a volunteer.

As you may have seen earlier this week, we are actively seeking a new member for the Board of Directors. ADRP has long been dependent on volunteers to thrive; more than ever, we need both members and volunteers with a vision and commitment to make us even better tomorrow than we are today.

With much respect and appreciation,

Michal Shaw
Assistant VP, Donor Relations Director, Women for OSU
President, Association of Donor Relations Professionals