The mission of the diversity and inclusion committee is to foster an environment where diversity is explicitly recognized as a fundamental part of our organizational culture. Through strategic initiatives, we work with other volunteers to position HRC as a successful partner in the Chicago coalition at uniting LGBT people and straight allies with people of all races and backgrounds to improve the quality of our lives. These strategic initiatives include incorporating diversity and inclusion throughout our work as a steering committee; expanding HRC’s community of support through issue vehicles; participating in HRC’s Equality Leaders for the 21st Century program; promoting opportunities for learning around issues of diversity and inclusion; and grassroots organizing and coalition-building with our allies, and community and corporate partners.