The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is building a future where anyone with OCD and related disorders has immediate access to effective treatment and support. We recognize the many barriers impacting our desired vision, and we are intentional in our pursuit to eliminate them. The IOCDF embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice, and accessibility as fundamental principles that are embedded in our mission, vision, and programs.
Through ongoing evaluation, recruitment efforts, collaboration, and programming, we strive to create a community where every individual feels valued and supported. We acknowledge there is still much work to be done, and we are confident in our ability to make meaningful strides towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all those impacted by OCD and related disorders around the world.
We value the experiences and backgrounds of individuals with OCD and related disorders, including people living with disabilities, religious and/or ethnic minorities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We understand there is much work to do to advance these priorities, and to help recognize and dismantle structural oppression. We are committed to ensuring our actions and practices demonstrate these beliefs, while clearly and consistently denouncing racism and any other forms of discrimination. Together, we pledge to keep advancing our mission with compassion and determination, ensuring that every step we take is a stride toward a more understanding, supportive, and inclusive world for all affected by OCD.
IOCDF fosters an environment of continuous listening and learning through these actions, and we will continue to build on these in the future:
- Strengthening our DEI goals and activities, and developing a long-term roadmap informed by our community.
- Evaluating and updating our policies and practices to align with our DEI beliefs.
- Recruiting Board members, staff, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
- Partnering with minority-owned vendors, or those from historically marginalized communities.
- Developing culturally relevant resources by collaborating with advisors, speakers, and partners from the groups we aim to serve around the globe.
- Providing frequent training and learning opportunities for staff and Board members.
Creating accessible materials and events by providing translations, closed captions, and alternative formats. - Partnering with organizations that represent people from a variety of backgrounds internationally.
- Ensuring a diversity of voices in decision-making in numerous settings.
- Offering value-added opportunities to communities when seeking their input
- Ensuring our programs, resources, conferences, and events represent diverse perspectives and addressing unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
- Offering professional clinical training for BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) clinicians, led by BIPOC clinicians.
- Offering training and events in Spanish, and working to expand our offerings to additional languages.
Promoting inclusivity through our Faith and OCD offerings, connecting religious leaders, clinicians, and those with lived experience. - Empowering the LGBTQIA+ community with specialized resources and training for culturally competent care.
Meet the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Action Council (DEIAC) >