The mission of Spinal CSF Leak Foundation is to reduce the suffering of persons affected by intracranial hypotension or spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak. Our vision—for each person affected by intracranial hypotension or spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak to receive prompt diagnosis, access to appropriate testing and treatments, and a favorable outcome—and our values—compassion, integrity, inclusiveness, and hopefulness—speak to the commitment we have to inclusiveness as a core value and practice.
Building and sustaining diversity requires an ongoing commitment to inclusion in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors. We support diversity across all lines of difference, including age, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, race, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression. We aim to lead by example, viewing and encouraging diversity as a fundamental and abiding strength of our organization.
Spinal CSF Leak Foundation recognizes that its mission is best served when the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of the organization, and specifically when:
- Our Board of Directors, employees, volunteers, and advisory bodies reflect the diversity of the population for whom we advocate.
- We consider how systemic inequities affect our organization’s work, and how best to address that in accordance with our mission. This includes examining implicit bias and potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions.
- Our commitment to inclusiveness is evident in our organizational policies and procedures, as part of our strategic plan, and within our organizational goals.
- Our associated recruitment and hiring practices reflect a commitment to the value of inclusion. This means being aware of intentional and conscious bias during the hiring, promoting, or evaluating process for board members, employees, or volunteers; being transparent about salary range with all public job descriptions; and challenging systems and policies that create inequity, oppression, and disparity.
- We foster a workplace that respects each individual, seeks and values diverse perspectives, and ensures each board member, employee, and volunteer can actively contribute to fulfilling the organization’s mission.
- We challenge assumptions about what constitutes strong leadership within our organization, and who is well-positioned to provide it.
- We share our commitment to inclusion as a core value and practice with all board members, employees, and volunteers, and encourage them to embrace these values both through everyday practices and in their work with our organization.
Our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is a living work in progress, and we strive to continually reflect upon, improve, and refine our efforts.