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 to create an inclusive and equitable culture. Through intentional efforts, we aim to promote cultural competencies, confront inequities, and create equal opportunities for advancement.

Objectives:

Promote an inclusive culture where all employees are valued, heard, and respected through initiatives such as Heritage month discussions and employee resource groups.
Foster a welcoming environment where all association leaders, staff, and board members feel empowered to engage in DEi discussions that impact our organization and the communities we support.
Track DEi progress by establishing key performance indicators, administering surveys, and tracking participation.
Facilitate DEi education specifically focused on developing cultural competency skills that can support staff to navigate diverse environments and collaborate more effectively.
Create a work environment that ensures equitable access for all to opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
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.

View the full charter.

Learn more about DEI at the American Lung Association