BOARD PERSPECTIVE
BY JARED MILLER , AAMD SECRETARY
A Quest for Change Through Heartfelt Action
From a worldwide pandemic to
heightened tensions between Americans , it would be an understatement to say 2020 was a year of challenge , strife and heartbreak . Everyone was confronted with trials , stresses and the reality of how far we have to go to reach true equality . True unity .
We are better than what we witnessed last year – and in the decades and generations that lead to that flashpoint . Our country was founded on the notion of equality . As the Declaration of Independence states “ We hold these truths to be self-evident , that all men are created equal , that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights , that among these are Life , Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness .” Powerful . Yet , we have never lived up to this original ideal .
Like many of you , I watched all of the challenges that culminated in 2020 with a desire to be better , to be part of the solution , to positively impact others and to drive meaningful change within my own organization .
As we discuss our approach to inclusion and diversity at RedPeak ; we are focusing on the desire for our actions to be meaningful and sustainable for the long-term – centered on hiring a diverse group of individuals and celebrating their unique identities . Similar conversations were happening within AAMD ’ s membership and sparks ignited . AAMD responded by pursuing their very own Inclusion & Diversity Committee . Over a dozen professionals immediately volunteered to participate . The committee has since grown to 26 professionals . Members of the committee didn ’ t exclaim expert status ; they viewed this as an opportunity to grow , learn , and build a stronger understanding while being on the side of positive change . The committee aims to serve and inspire AAMD membership
" Like many of you , I watched all of the challenges that culminated in 2020 with a desire to be better , to be part of the solution , to positively impact others and to drive meaningful change within my
with their goals of inclusion and diversity for the industry .
Over months of deliberation , the Inclusion & Diversity Committee has established clear direction . While there were endless avenues to approach , the committee – through heartfelt discussions – established their mission ; “ To be a resource for thought leadership and education while setting the example for inclusion and diversity through promotion and engagement .”
In order to achieve the mission , the Inclusion & Diversity Committee set three initial goals :
• Increase basic awareness and value of inclusion & diversity
• Develop a starter guide for association members on how to promote and celebrate inclusion & diversity as well as be a resource on related issues
• Attract and retain more diverse talent within the industry and highlight those who have established their careers
It is clear that many of our members desire to deliver learning opportunities , but are
own organization ."
challenged with developing content that is allencompassing , meaningful and impactful . Our goal is to help guide and assist our members ’ desires , turning them into reality while strengthening our industry and creating a lasting change for future generations .
These goals are lofty , but the committee believes they reflect the desires and needs of our membership and industry .
Diversity is a gift that should be welcomed with heartfelt inclusion . Our industry provides opportunities unparalleled by others and that is something that should be lauded as we cast a net that is wide enough to attract the attention of those that previously hadn ’ t been aware of all we offer .
As Mahatma Gandhi said , “ Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization .” Let ’ s learn together and seek the beauty of true inclusivity .
Jared Miller is the COO of RedPeak , a member of AAMD ' s Board of Directors and chair of AAMD ' s Inclusion & Diversity Committee .
6 | TRENDS MARCH 2021 www . aamdhq . org