AAACN has long prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), actively reshaping our governance to mirror the diverse environments we serve. The first step was establishing the DEI Committee, which has now evolved into the Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
This change reflects a proactive focus on fostering inclusion and belonging within our membership and promoting inclusive workplaces, while still upholding DEI values. The committee collaborates across our organization to drive initiatives aligned with our culture, profession, and vision for the future.
Additionally, the Inclusion and Belonging Committee creates and provides learning opportunities, education, and resources our members can utilize in their own practice.
Archived Webinars
Our webinar series is an engaging resource for our members that will be added to over time. TheInclusion and Belonging Committee provides 4-5 webinars annually. These recorded webinars are free to watch, and speakers and topics are carefully selected by the committee to educate nurses on promoting and understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare realm.
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Leveraging Interpreter Services & CLAS Standards to Improve Your Patient Care |
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Leadership in the New Era of Work |
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Sexual and Gender Identity: Historical Context and Present State |
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Cultural Humility as a Framework for Promoting Health Equity |
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LGBTQ+ Patient Identities |
Published Articles
The Inclusion and Belonging Committee has published several articles in AAACN’s peer-reviewed bimonthly publication, ViewPoint, as well as in the “Perspectives in Ambulatory Care” column, which is published up to six times annually in Nursing Economic$, a peer-reviewed journal that advances nursing leadership in healthcare with a focus on tomorrow. These articles are an important tool to educate members on issues that impact diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the healthcare realm.
Nursing Economic$ Perspectives in Ambulatory Care Nursing
2023
March/April
Gaining Insight into Member Demographics and Perceptions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in a Professional Organization (AAACN)
Kim Regis, Quyen Phan, Amy Cadoret, Nancy Parker, and Beth Ann Swan
ViewPoint
2023
January/FebruaryImproving Primary Care: Health Equity and Breastfeeding
Kim Regis
May/June
Cultural Humility as a Framework for Ambulatory Care Nurses to Address Health Equity and Inclusion
Quyen Phan, Nancy Weaver Parker, and Amy Cadoret
Impact on AAACN Resources
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The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing explicitly identifies and defines ambulatory care nursing practice in outpatient settings. The 10th edition, published in 2023, contains a brand-new Standard on Cultural Humility, created with huge input from the Chairs of the Inclusion and Belonging Committee at the time of publication. This new Standard represents the first step in a larger plan to incorporate the Inclusion and Belonging Committee into the oversight of AAACN’s resources to ensure they are representative of the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging ideals AAACN values. The Inclusion and Belonging Committee also created inclusive language guidelines for use within AAACN publications, white papers, articles, ViewPoint, the Journal of Ambulatory Care Nursing (JACN), and more. Implementing these guidelines will foster a more welcoming and respectful environment within AAACN's membership, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and included in our community. |
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Celebrating Cultural Awareness and Progress
AAACN’s Inclusion and Belonging Committee (IBC) recognizes the significance of Juneteenth as a historic day in commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
This day, observed on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We stand in solidarity and hope for us all within AAACN. Let this day and all the days to come serve as a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for their freedom and continue to advocate for justice and equality. The IBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting equity in healthcare, supporting a diverse workforce, educating, advocating for, and building inclusive partnerships.
What can you do to celebrate?
- Recognize and celebrate the contributions of African American healthcare professionals within your organization
- Share information about Juneteenth, including its history and how it relates to health equity
- Organize cultural events that celebrate African American heritage, such as music performances, art exhibitions, or food festivals
- Those of us outside the Black experience might find this article helpful
Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and pledge to continue the work of a just and equitable society for all.
The Inclusion and Belonging Committee wishes the AAACN membership a happy Pride Month.
The AAACN Inclusion and Belonging Committee (formerly known as the DEI Committee) recognizes June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. As members, we extend a warm invitation to each of you to join us in this essential conversation and learning. Together, let us unite in a shared commitment to expanding our understanding, raising awareness, and fostering inclusive environments where LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues are not just acknowledged, but truly valued and respected.
Every year, June serves as a time to support collective stories of resilience, triumph, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This month-long observance stands as a beacon of unity, empowerment, and recognition for the vibrant tapestry of identities within the LGBTQIA+ community, both past and present. Through a myriad of events, gatherings, and commemorations, we honor the influence of LGBTQIA+ individuals on our society, and we stand together in solidarity, reminding each other that we are never alone on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Pride Month carries profound significance, rooted in the historic Stonewall Riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment when the LGBTQIA+ community ignited a movement that reverberates to this day. From those courageous actions emerged a chorus of voices calling for justice, dignity, and the right to love freely without fear or prejudice.
The legacy of Stonewall endures as a guiding light, inspiring us to continue the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in the face of ongoing challenges and discrimination. As we reflect on the journey from Stonewall to the present, we recognize the progress made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.
At the heart of Pride Month lies a call to action: to advocate for inclusive policies, and champion the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is a time to celebrate the diversity of community and to embrace the unique gifts and perspectives that each individual person brings.
As members of AAACN’s Inclusion and Belonging Committee, we extend an invitation to all nurses and healthcare professionals to join us in this vital conversation and learning. Let us learn, raise awareness, foster understanding, and create welcoming spaces where LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues feel seen, heard, and respected.
This year’s Pride Month theme, “Empowering Voices, Embracing Diversity,” serves as a guiding principle as we navigate the complexities of our world. The month is an opportunity for us to celebrate and affirm the unique identities and experiences throughout our communities and beyond.