IAAO
is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a primary
organizational core value. As a global community of diverse mass
appraisal professionals, we can best fulfill our mission and vision by
ensuring all individuals experience an equitable, inclusive IAAO
environment. We incorporate DEI principles and practices into our goals
of professional development, community engagement, communications and
advocacy, and business innovation. To sustain this commitment, we
implement meaningful metrics and measures. A diverse, equitable, and
inclusive IAAO will continue to serve as a leader in making the
assessment industry more reflective of the communities we serve.
As
part of the release, IAAO President Greg McHenry, AAS and Opal Hudson,
Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force filmed a video on the
subject.
"We
urge all members to support the efforts to make IAAO a diverse,
equitable and inclusive organization where underrepresented groups are authentically invited,
encouraged and supported on a pathway to success within the industry
and leadership, both in volunteer and professional ranks," said
President McHenry. "This is my vision for IAAO, and I hope that it is
yours also."
The
new diversity statement recognizes that the Board-approved IAAO
Strategic Plan, Future Assessment 2025, clearly and explicitly expresses
the organization’s prioritizing and commitment to diversity, equity,
and inclusion in IAAO and the profession. In addition, the first of six
IAAO Core Values clearly states: “We are committed to diversity, equity
and inclusion,” and IAAO’s Vision also notes that “IAAO is to be
recognized as a diverse and inclusive global leader…”
"The
topic of diversity can be uncomfortable and challenging for many of us,
but the Task Force has worked diligently to construct what we believe
to be the foundation of a new and more inclusive future for IAAO and
each of its members," said Ms. Hudson.
With
a number of new people entering the workforce and the profession over
the next few years, many younger employees are looking at an employer’s
social role and the new statement will help IAAO attract and retain
members from underrepresented groups, especially as IAAO’s traditional
pool of potential members are aging out.
In
addition, the statement will serve as a cornerstone and catalyst for
developing and enhancing DEI-related IAAO policies, procedures,
programs, projects, and services.
Going
forward, IAAO will reference or link to it in conjunction with the
organizational Strategic Plan, such as on the IAAO website and
prominently utilize it in member recruitment and retention materials,
especially in targeted outreach to underrepresented groups.
