Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) International

DIVERSITY PLAN

A. Diversity Statement

SPCA International concerns itself with the advancement of the welfare of animals across the world specifically with regard to rescue of animals and deployment of strategies meant to rein in animal cruelty. It would be prudent to note that as per SPCA Internationals mission, the organization is organized around the advancement of not only the safety, but also the well-being of animals. SPCA International is headquartered in New York.

At present, the board of SPCA International comprises of a total of 5 board members. These are Pierre Barnoti (Board President), Maude Pellerin (Board Member), Michael Poulos (Board Member), Howard Sholzberg (Board Treasurer), and Robert Gulick (Board Member). Board composition info available at: https://www.spcai.org/about/who-we-are. An assessment of the board membership in this case indicates that there is need for SPCA International to work towards the further promotion of organizational diversity. This is more so the case with regard to the inclusion of more women and underrepresented communities (such as African Americans). Only 1 woman serves on the board at present. There is no African American on the board of SPCA International. The relevance of diversity cannot be overstated when it comes to the embrace of diverse perspectives and viewpoints which are likely to improve the quality of decisions made and promote organizational problem solving capabilities.

B. Steps to Developing a Diversity Plan

The Board of Directors of SPCA International will be sensitized on the relevance of diversity. Further, this key stakeholder group will be encouraged to consult available literature on diversity i.e. in relation to the legal framework relating to diversity, gender inequality, racial inequality, social inequality, affirmative action, etc. It is important to note that familiarity with the topics and areas of interest indicated above will likely result in better understanding of diversity and its relevance in contemporary nonprofit settings. The relevant resources (in the form of links and handouts) will be provided.

B1. New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

We maintain that building and sustaining diversity requires an ongoing commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms and behaviors....…members and ensure that they are aligned with the core tenets of diversity advancement.

3. Facilitate board member access to the relevant diversity literature

4. Promote board member cultural competency skills, i.e. via a structured educational initiatives

E. Incorporating the diversity policy into SPCA Internationals by-laws

Murray and Harrison (2014) are categorical that from time to time, there is need to change the composition of the board membership with an intention of ensuring that persons with new insights and viewpoints are brought on board. Similarly, there is need to have in place mechanisms to ensure that the board routinely pursues equality of opportunity and is not in any way or form biased when it comes to the selection of those serving on the same. This could be achieved by having in place a by-law that clearly and in no uncertain terms highlights the number of years that persons serve on the board. This would ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for the creation of a diverse team. Next, a clause should specify the percentage of women who should serve on the board, as well as a…