Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Why DEI Matters for Peace and Security
In 2017, we began to take stock of how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core to our mission to connect and support global peace and security funders. We place DEI issues at the center of our peace and philanthropy work because we know that most – if not all – conflict is rooted in real or perceived inequity and inclusive peace is lasting peace. Racism, inequity, and legacies of oppression form the existing context for crises worldwide and are impediments to achieving lasting peace and security for all. As the number of people living in conflict-affected areas reaches record levels (1.2 billion in 2022), it’s more important than ever to understand the root causes of conflict. At PSFG, we name white supremacy, colonialism, and other systems of oppression at play; and we strive to improve our own work and support our members in doing the same.
Our Work as a DEI “Learning Laboratory”
We seek to live into our core values of courage, equity, and relationship in every aspect of our work and interactions, both inside and outside of PSFG. PSFG’s internal DEI work includes serving as a “learning laboratory” for innovative and equitable practices and policies, which are shared with and often adopted by our membership. Resources we’ve piloted have included our performance and compensation policy, psychological safety toolkit, sabbatical policy, honoraria policy, and microaggression toolkit and policy. Through professional development and team-wide learning opportunities, PSFG supports staff in building capacity, comfort, and leadership on our DEI objectives.
How We Support Our Members’ DEI Learning
We believe that a holistic and continuous approach to DEI work can enable breakthroughs on peace and security issues as more people are included, diverse partnerships and ideas are brought to the fore, and our sector addresses the role of systemic oppression and white supremacy in the global issues we face. In PSFG’s external work, we evaluate “choice points” (e.g. panel composition, vendor selection, new program offerings, and perspectives to feature) using an equity lens decision-making tool. We also serve as a thought partner to our members currently working on shifting and sharing power, especially at local levels (e.g., participatory grantmaking). We embrace this work because we know that an intersectional focus means better outcomes for all; absent these commitments, philanthropy risks perpetuating the same inequities it purports to address. By challenging harmful narratives underpinning traditional philanthropy, and by transforming and connecting individuals in our network, PSFG seeks to better our own work and catalyze change in our sector.