Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council

The American Lung Association has formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council to assist the organization in effectively addressing racial and social inequities. The Council will serve as an important voice in helping to shape the way the organization functions internally and how we deliver our mission to diverse communities, particularly those most affected by systemic racism, which continues to contribute to health disparities.

The Council, composed of diverse staff from throughout the country, will work with staff and volunteers to advance the organization’s lifesaving mission while fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the Lung Association’s practices, programs and processes.

The Council’s vision, mission and objectives are stated below:

Vision:

Embrace diversity, equity and inclusion within the American Lung Association and the communities we serve.

Mission:

To advance the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease while fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in our practices, programs, and processes through adapting and transforming behaviors and mindsets, and strategically selecting and utilizing the most effective and appropriate methods to fundamentally value individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Objectives:

Build capacity and competency to lead and manage a diverse workforce.
Create a work environment that ensures equitable access for all to opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Develop staff cultural competence and responsiveness to maximize our effectiveness in community engagement with historically underrepresented constituents and partners, considering and respecting their unique perspectives, experiences, contributions, and needs.
Encourage cultural norms and practices that promote positive and culturally responsible interpersonal relationships among staff.
Ensure communities we serve are treated as stakeholders, leaders, and assets to the work.
Proactively counteract race inequities inside and outside of our organization through our work outlined in our strategic imperatives.
Foster an inclusive environment so that all association leaders, staff, and board members are confident in talking about race, racism and its implications for the organization and the communities we serve.

View the full charter.

Learn more about DEI at the American Lung Association