Good diversity statement topic?
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 2:51 pm
I applied last cycle and did not submit a diversity statement. Is this a good topic or will it weaken my application?
I work in fundraising for a nonprofit that recently eliminated a discriminatory policy against gays to abundant controversy. As a result, the organization has been hemorrhaging members, volunteers, and donors over the policy controversy. Meanwhile, I am an advocate for gay rights, including founding a non-discrimination organization in college and volunteering for the Human Rights Campaign.
Through the last year, I've been exposed to a breadth of bigotry from supporters and community members, yet felt unable to support equality or reject the bigotry without risking a loss of support. I struggled between my personal convictions and my professional obligations. At times, I would remain silent or circuitously answer questions. At others, to my shame, I would agree with bigoted sentiments from key supporters.
In the spring I gained clarity from two experiences. In driving by a pride flag in the most vitriolic area, I realized that silence in the face of discrimination is tantamount to an endorsement of it, and I resolved to be firm in my professional and personal lives in my support for gay equality. After reading a stunning testimony by a former member of the organization whose son won't join because of the remaining discriminatory policies, I decided that my personal convictions didn't override my professional obligations, and that the impact the organization has on lives - and the impact of every dollar of donor support - outweighs my personal discomfort.
I work in fundraising for a nonprofit that recently eliminated a discriminatory policy against gays to abundant controversy. As a result, the organization has been hemorrhaging members, volunteers, and donors over the policy controversy. Meanwhile, I am an advocate for gay rights, including founding a non-discrimination organization in college and volunteering for the Human Rights Campaign.
Through the last year, I've been exposed to a breadth of bigotry from supporters and community members, yet felt unable to support equality or reject the bigotry without risking a loss of support. I struggled between my personal convictions and my professional obligations. At times, I would remain silent or circuitously answer questions. At others, to my shame, I would agree with bigoted sentiments from key supporters.
In the spring I gained clarity from two experiences. In driving by a pride flag in the most vitriolic area, I realized that silence in the face of discrimination is tantamount to an endorsement of it, and I resolved to be firm in my professional and personal lives in my support for gay equality. After reading a stunning testimony by a former member of the organization whose son won't join because of the remaining discriminatory policies, I decided that my personal convictions didn't override my professional obligations, and that the impact the organization has on lives - and the impact of every dollar of donor support - outweighs my personal discomfort.