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 Panel, the chair of any additional Panel (as needed), and two at-large members who provide additional subject matter expertise. The Council Chair would begin shadowing upon appointment; the official term begins at the June 2025 Convention and ends in June 2027, with an option for renewal through June 2029.
Qualifications
- NATA member in good standing
- National Provider Identification (NPI) Number
Though not a requirement, members of the DEIA Council, and previous chairs of EDAC or LGBTQ+AC are highly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Fulfill the charge of the committee under the direction of the Board.
· DEIA Council Chair (or designee) sits in on BOD Open and Closed Session Meetings. The DEIA Council Chair will not have a vote but will be able to add to the discussion as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and the NATA’s six commitments to DEIA.
- Complete work assignments within time frames established
- Remain up-to-date on events and circumstances affecting the committee and those it serves.
- Attend online meetings, conference calls, the NATA Joint Committee Meeting (January) and annual in-person meetings in conjunction with the convention.
- Contribute to discussions at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background support materials relevant to the meeting.
- Openly debate issues without making personal attacks.
- Promote what is best for the entire committee and for the profession, not the member's personal agenda.
- Participate in the annual Volunteer Experience survey.
- Represent the NATA in a positive and supportive manner at all times.
- Avoid conflicts of interest between one's position as an NATA volunteer and one's personal and professional life. When necessary, declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which the member has a personal or business interest. A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect the volunteer's judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA
- Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the committee, even when the member is in a minority position on such actions.
- Support mission/purpose of EDAC, LGBTQ+ and additional workgroups within the DEIA Council to ensure DEIA work continues to align with the NATA's overall strategic plan and contribute to advancing the NATA DEIA Commitments listed below:
- 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.
Additional Scope of Work
- Define and communicate clear goals for the committee and set a plan for achieving those goals.
- Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the committee and association, even when I disagree with such actions.
- Uphold the NATA Code of Ethics
- By accepting this position, you commit to fulfilling these responsibilities to the best of your ability and resign your position if you find you are no longer able to.
- Expectations and ongoing projects for the NATA Council and/or its subgroups include:
- Serve as a resource to the NATA BOD, committees, councils, districts, staff, and membership.
- NATA Representative to the Strategic Alliance DEIA
- Share Annual Ableism Presentation/Initiatives to BOD and membership.
- NATA Convention Program Support to ensure inclusion of DEIA principles and presentations.
- Lead DEIA updates and presentations at district and national meetings
- Pathway to Leadership Project
Governance and Decision-Making:
· The chair would govern the council with the support of the vice chair. The chair will be supported by a Vice-Chair who will serve as chair in their leave. The chair, vice chair, or a designee will be invited to sit in on all committee and workgroup meetings.
· The vice chair will serve as an extension of the chair to assist with the attending of meetings with committees, councils, and other entities. The vice chair will assist with leading meetings and supporting the work of the council at the direction of the chair.
· The chair (or designee) will be invited to sit in on all non-executive session NATA BOD meetings and will be expected to adhere to all BOD policies and procedures as it relates to confidentiality.
· The DEIA council will conform to the NATA decision-making processes including voting procedures or other mechanisms to ensure effective decision-making.
Reporting and Communication:
· The vice chair and all council members will report to the council chair.
· The council chair will be the primary communication channel between the council and other relevant stakeholders, such as the BOD and other committees.
· The Council Chair will outline how the council will provide regular updates, progress reports, or recommendations to the organization's leadership and stakeholders.
· Establish mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and feedback to continuously improve the council's operations and outcomes.
Conflict of Interest
Committee members avoid conflicts of interest between the position as an NATA volunteer and the member's personal and professional life. When necessary, members declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which the member has a personal or business interest. (A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect one's judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA and/or the committee.)
The role of serving in a leadership role within the NATA is critical to the success of the association and should be considered an esteemed achievement. This policy is designed to identify, mitigate, and prevent conflicts and dualities of competing interests before they occur, ultimately protecting both the volunteer and the NATA. To ensure a rewarding experience, loyalty, dedicated service, and member value, committee/council/task force chairs and journal leadership should hold no other positions on boards of directors and/or officer, committees, or other volunteer positions with Strategic Alliance partners and/or external athletic training or sports medicine organizations, associations, or societies (not including district or state athletic training organizations or service on a state regulatory board) from the time they begin shadowing for their NATA position until their term ends. Exceptions include where the NATA chair position requires participation with regulatory bodies and/or other groups. Exceptions also include serving as a CAATE peer reviewer, BOC exam writer, Foundation scholarship/grant reviewer, or journal article reviewer. Additional exceptions may be considered by the NATA Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. The disclosure form and commitment to serve agreement must be submitted as part of the application for this position.
Intellectual Property
Work and materials developed, created or written—as a committee, work group, or board member, or in any other volunteer capacity for NATA—shall be deemed work-for-hire under copyright, intellectual property, and other laws. NATA is granted sole and exclusive ownership of all such work. Committee members waive all claims and/or so-called “moral rights” to the work, and assign these rights to NATA.
Confidentiality
In connection with your participation, you will be required to agree to a confidentiality agreement as part of your service to the Association.
NATA and its committees, councils and commissions are committed 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 and its committees, councils and commissions embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and access as a leadership imperative for our association. All NATA members are welcomed and encouraged to serve on the association’s committees, councils, commissions, etc., as diverse backgrounds, experiences and knowledge help advance the profession and work of NATA.