Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access

NATA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Commitment

The mission of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the athletic training profession and athletic trainers as unique health care providers. To advance the mission and promote unparalleled delivery of athletic training services amid ever-growing global and diverse populations, NATA embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and access as a leadership imperative for our association.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access recognizes the growing body of research confirming disparities in health and health care for people of color and that increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the health care workforce is essential for culturally competent care and impacts health outcomes. Additionally, to fully embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and access we must examine how race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, disability status and other forms of bias and oppression are embedded within our systems and within ourselves. The work may be uncomfortable at times, but NATA is strongest when our members, volunteers, and staff of diverse backgrounds, talents, experiences, and perspectives are supported and empowered to fulfill their potential within the association and as health care providers. We strive to be an anti-racist organization and will work to identify and eliminate policies, barriers and practices that create inequities.

To realize our vision, NATA commits to:

  • Cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
  • Providing programming, research and resources to support cultural competency and ensure athletic trainers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to better serve diverse populations.
  • Ensuring that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and access are embedded in continuing education, conferences, communications, and the work of the association.
  • Examining processes, policies, practices, communications, structures and barriers with an equity lens to promote authentic engagement, access, and inclusion of diverse individuals.
  • Increasing transparency and accountability on diversity, equity, inclusion and access by sharing data and information about our journey and commitments.
  • Supporting and intentionally promoting a diverse athletic training profession.


We are merging our words and actions to inspire our members, leaders and staff to champion and deliver on diversity, equity, inclusion and access within NATA and the athletic training profession.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Response Plan

View an outline of the NATA DEIA Response Plan. This members-only document frames the various steps – from “Listen First,” gathering member feedback to operational infusion of recommendations that will be submitted by the NATA DEIA Council to the NATA Board of Directors.

NATA DEIA Response Plan*

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Council

The purpose of the DEIA Council is to develop and recommend efforts to ensure the implementation and integration of diversity, equity, inclusion and access commitments and principles approved by the NATA Board of Directors. Members of the council include the DEIA chair and vice chair, Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee chair, LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee chair, chair of Accessibility Work Group, the chair of any additional Work Group, and two at-large members who provide additional subject matter expertise.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Council* 

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