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Embracing IDEA: MFRC Board’s Commitment to IDEA

Blog By Sarah Matsushita, MFRC’s Director

Upholding and living MFRC’s values is at the heart of our mission. As a non-profit and a Community Hub dedicated to fostering positive change, we recognize that the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) are foundational to our work to serve communities. In 2024, MFRC’s board took a step forward in our equity work to put our commitment to paper. We wanted to identify how we can be intentional in centering IDEA in our governance work. The result is the Board Statement of IDEA Principles, which will guide our practices, actions, and decision-making where all voices are heard, valued, and respected. Here’s why we made this move.

Reflecting on Our Mission and Values: MFRC is dedicated to serving our diverse communities. Ensuring that our board reflects the values we promote externally was an important extension of our mission. By formalizing our accountability to IDEA principles, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a world where everyone in our communities can connect, belong, and thrive.

Enhancing Decision-Making:
Diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making. MFRC’s board recognizes that a variety of viewpoints enrich discussions and lead to more innovative solutions. By embracing diversity in all its forms—whether race, gender, age, socioeconomic background, or ability—we can better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Building Trust and Credibility: Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of trust. Adopting a formal statement of IDEA principles signals recognition that we must live these in our actions. A big question we asked ourselves: In what ways are we actively practicing IDEA as part of our board functions—and where are the gaps? Over the coming months, we will use these principles to improve and deepen our actions—in strategic planning, board recruitment, fiduciary duties, and relationship building.

Promoting Equity and Accessibility: Equity and accessibility are fundamental human rights. Our board is committed to identifying and dismantling barriers that prevent equitable participation. This involves scrutinizing our policies, practices, and culture. Our statement serves as a roadmap, guiding us in making better decisions.

MFRC’s Board Statement of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Principles is a pledge to uphold these principles. And we know it’s not a “one and done” exercise but requires regular review to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Recognizing the evolving nature of our community’s needs, we invite the MFRC community to share feedback and tell us how we’re doing—and where we could be doing better, as we hold ourselves accountable for this ongoing responsibility.

We are excited about the journey ahead and the ways it will help us to better support MFRC and the communities we serve.

About MFRC’s Board

The MFRC Board comprises 11 professionals who bring a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives to our organization. It’s a voluntary board. Their commitment to serving the community drives our mission forward, ensuring we remain responsive and inclusive in all our efforts.

Know more about the board here

Also Read: 
MFRC Strategic Plan, 2023- 2025 A Place Where You Belong
MFRC’s Mission and Values
IDEA at MFRC

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