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IOA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee

About this Committee

In July of 2020, the IOA Board unanimously approved the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. In July 2021, this task force became an official IOA committee.

The Committee helps 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 (DEIB) Committee 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.

The DEIB Committee has worked diligently since its inception and is now pleased to announce a framework designed to guide the IOA toward a more inclusive organization. The framework was voted on and approved by the IOA Board of Directors on 1 June 2022. Read more about the framework on the Independent Voice, IOA's blog.

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/Committee
Launch of the Task Force/Committee
A Message from the Team
More DEIB Articles

Participants

Leaders

  • Jennifer Swann, Committee Chair
  • Kim Howard-Carswell, Committee Co-Chair
  • Jared Lee, Committee Secretary

Board Liasion

  • Thomas Griffin, MDR, JD

Committee Members & Liaison Roles

  • Stacey Aliasso Rowcliffe,
    Member Engagement Committee
  • Kirsi Aulin,
    Finance Committee
  • Tomi Balogun
  • Geoffrey Bartholomeusz,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Tuba Bilecik
    Conference Committee
  • Crystal Brakke,
    Conference Committee
  • Jai Calloway
  • Donna Edmondson,
    JIOA
    Research & Assessment Committee
    Nominating Committee
  • Twillea Evans-Carthen,
    Strategic Alliance Partnership Committee

  • Nadia Ferrara, PhD

  • Laurel Gordon,
    Membership Engagement Committee 
  • Brett Harris,
    Nominating Committee
  • Júlia Horváth,
    Communications Committee
  • Amarah Khan,
    Finance Committee
  • Juan Lattanzio Caro,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Rachel S. Manders, AIS, AINS, ARC, IR
  • Marilyn Molina,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Eileen Petzold-Bradley,
    Nominating Committee
  • Heidi Stensby,
    Communications Committee
  • Sonja Trent-Brown,
    Professional Development Committee
  • Herb Waye,
    International Outreach Committee
  • Jenny Yang

Priorities 

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

Join the Team

This is IOA's newest committee 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 committee then you are assured a place on the team. If you are interested in joining this or any other committee, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more about available positions and complete our Volunteer Interest Form.

Volunteer Interest Form