MIHS  is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as we carry out our mission. This commitment applies to both the health priorities we choose to address through our global convening power and the ways we interact with and provide opportunities for our staff, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders.

As an organization dedicated to improving the human condition globally since our founding in 1964, we recognize that we cannot be successful without welcoming all perspectives, incorporating all points of view, and driving toward a world where everyone is provided the same opportunity to thrive. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees, members, and stakeholders invest in their work shapes a significant part of not only our shared culture but of DIA’s reputation and organizational achievement.

MIHS defines diversity, equity, and inclusion as:

• Diversity: Representation across a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and views.
• Equity: Fair and equitable treatment, access, opportunity, and engagement for all,
• Inclusion: Environment that respects and values all perspectives, especially ensuring that persons within historically underrepresented groups are included and represented.

To achieve our goals, we expect:

• Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees, members, volunteers, and others aligned with our organization.
• Teamwork and participation that allows all group and employee perspectives to be represented.
• Proactive inclusion of a diverse group (i.e., gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation) of volunteers, program committees, panels, and speakers to present unique perspectives and guidance so that outcomes of these activities are applicable to all.
• Embrace of and attention to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all activities delivered by MIHS.
• MIHS volunteer groups, such as our Board of Directors, Advisory Councils, and Fellows as well as MIHS staff to be diverse so that our work and interactions benefit from a range of perspectives and insights.

All who associate with MIHS have a responsibility to always treat others with dignity and respect. All employees are required to attend and complete annual diversity and inclusion training to enhance their knowledge and guide their work toward the goals of this policy. All aspects of our programming and practices will be driven by these principles and designed through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Any employee, volunteer, or stakeholder found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to removal from membership, termination of employment, or other forms of disciplinary action.