IOA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force

About the Task Force

In July of 2020, the IOA Board unanimously approved the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. This task force will help IOA internally evaluate itself on aligning with anti-racism practices and racial justice, as well as to define parameters for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that supports membership belonging and connection within the organization. 

Mission

The IOA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging task force (DEIB) is responsible for examining organizational policies and practices in order to determine implicit and explicit systemic inequities and implement constructive changes. The committee shepherds the IOA to mindfully and intentionally institute practices and behaviors that promote inclusiveness and refute inequity.

Values

In the International Ombuds Association, we believe that our differences make us whole. We value:

  • Every thread of our membership tapestry, which incorporates race, age, ancestry, ethnicity, physical ability, neurodiversity, marital and family status, national origin and citizenship, cultural experience, religion, gender and gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, primary language, military status, socioeconomic position, political affiliation, and professional pursuit.
  • A culture of acceptance, respect, fairness, transparency, and representation by all members – cascading to the communities we serve.
  • Discourse which affirms our shared professional principles and reflects dignity toward the civil and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.
  • Appropriate action when we observe an IOA member or participant being treated unfairly or in a demeaning manner.

Read More on the IOA Independent Voice

Creation of the Task Force
Launch of the Task Force
A Message from the Task Force
More DEIB Articles

Participants

Leaders

  • Brett Harris, Task Force Co-Chair
  • Jai Calloway, Task Force Co-Chair
  • Marcia Martinez Helfman, Board Liaison
  • Lindsay Jennings, Staff Contact
  • Krystina Toscas, Staff Contact
  • Donald Meyer, Marketing Firm Liaison

Task Force Members

  • Eric Adcock
  • Peter Anderson
  • Kirsi Aulin
  • Mario Baril
  • Geoffrey Bartholomeusz
  • Takis Bogdanos
  • Alicia Booker
  • Crystal Brakke
  • Andrea Brown
  • Vannee Cao-Nguyen
  • Jim Castleberry
  • Prisca Chaoui
  • Barbara Curwin
  • Wanda Donnelly
  • Donna Edmondson
  • Twillea Evans-Carthen
  • Anthony Gafoor
  • Takeelia Garrett
  • Laurel Gordon
  • Josie Gough
  • D.A. Graham
  • Liz Honig
  • Kim Howard-Carswell
  • Nina Jetha
  • Vikram Kapoor
  • Gurmeet Kaur
  • Amarah Khan
  • Kimberly McDuff King
  • Jacqueline Jones LaMon
  • Juan Lattanzio
  • Marilyn Molina
  • Justin Neiman
  • Manda Noble-Green
  • Armineh Noravian
  • Erica Peters
  • Joseph Price
  • Donald Proby
  • Brandi Quam
  • David Rabinovitch
  • Nicholas Raichart
  • Jacqueline Silvera
  • Heidi Stensby
  • Jennifer Swann
  • M Gabriela Torres
  • Sonja Trent-Brown
  • Janet Vantriet
  • Jacqueline Villafane
  • Melissa Watson
  • Herb Waye
  • Allison Monyei Whaley
  • Kimberly Wong
  • Clementine Wood

Priorities 

  • This task force has not yet formalized its priorities. More information will be posted in the coming weeks.

Join the Team

This is IOA's newest task force and we are looking for members to join. If you are an IOA member who is passionate about the topic of DEIB and interested in serving on this task force then you are assured a place on the team. Simply email us at [email protected] to join the task force and begin supporting positive change within IOA.

Last Updated 5 February 2021