Over the past several months, the NATA Board of Directors, along with at-large appointments from the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, has worked with a DEI consultant in association management to develop and align around organizational commitments. These guiding principles provide a foundation for enhanced infusion of diversity, equity, inclusion and access throughout our organization.
These discussions were informative, challenging and disciplined to the objective identified for Phase III of our declared plan. This was an important undertaking for the board, which is comprised of appointed members from each district, supporting 50 state associations. No doubt, success will be enriched when all entities are pulling in the same direction. In February, the commitments were officially approved unanimously by the NATA Board of Directors.
The board has also appointed a new task force to advance into the next phase of our plan – developing strategies to deliver the identified commitments. This 15-person task force, led by Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS, and Trevor Bates, DHSc, AT, ATC, with support from the DEI consultant, will develop and recommend efforts to ensure the implementation and integration of diversity, equity, inclusion and access commitments approved by the board.
There are certainly no shortage of events that demonstrate the importance of this work. Our pledge remains unchanged. Our dedication and focus is motivated by the opportunity to elevate our efforts as a membership association for continued growth of our profession and the patients we serve!
We will continue to provide monthly updates in the NATA News Headquarters section.
Thrive on,
Tory Lindley, MA, ATC
NATA President
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
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 heath 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.
