Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a phrase that refers to organizational principles and policies that promote inclusion and representation of diverse people, including individuals of different ages, genders, races and ethnicities, religions, cultures, sexual orientations, and abilities.  In 2021, the AMWA Board of Directors (BOD) launched the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Assessment Task Force with the charge to analyze membership data and receive member input to help determine the current status of the organization’s D&I efforts; identify deficiencies, needs, opportunities, and challenges related to D&I; and recommend initial strategies to enhance D&I within the organization.

AMWA Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The first outcome of the initiative was AMWA’s new organizational DEI statement that was adopted by the BOD in July 2022:

AMWA is committed to creating and maintaining a culture that embraces a diverse community of individuals who value excellence in medical writing, editing, and communication. We believe that AMWA functions more effectively with diversity of thought and inclusion of varied perspectives in the shared pursuit of our mission.  We strive to
  
• Demonstrate the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Encourage the interest, participation, and leadership of underrepresented groups within our organization. 
• Cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and accessible community of medical communicators. 

Read more about the DEI Statement in the AMWA Journal.

DEI for AMWA: Aligning Our Intent and Our Impact 
 
This pre-recorded webinar is a new resource created exclusively for AMWA members. In this presentation, Sharon Newport, an expert consultant for associations and nonprofits, guides AMWA members through:

• Foundational Understandings in DEI
• How AMWA Defines DEI
• Why DEI Matters for AMWA and Medical Communicators
• AMWA Commitments, Culture, and Goals in DEI
• DEI Promising Practices for Professional Medical Communicators

Watch DEI for AMWA: Aligning Our Intent and Our Impact

D&I Assessment Task Force Survey

The task force developed the 2022 AMWA DEI Survey to gain a clearer understanding of the existing diversity of membership, identify current short-comings, and recognize how to build upon AMWA’s current strengths to enhance the overall atmosphere of D&I within AMWA.

Key Findings

In addition to obtaining demographic data, survey respondents were asked to rank 8 strategies they felt would be most helpful for AMWA as it works toward cultivating a more inclusive culture. The 3 top-ranked strategies were

• having diverse representation in AMWA authors, speakers, and presenters,
• having diverse representation in leadership/governance, and
• providing programs and resources on DEI topics.

Respondents were also asked to identify topics for potential resources relating to DEI that would be most helpful to them as medical communicators. The top 3 responses were

• resources on using inclusive language in medical communication,
• how to develop inclusive health communications, and
• health equity and health disparities.
  

Read the Results of the AMWA 2022 DEI Survey article in the AMWA Journal.

DEI Strategic Planning

Upon recommendation by the task force, the AMWA BOD engaged Sharon Newport, a DEI consultant with expertise in organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion and understanding of the nonprofit association space, to educate our leaders, facilitate strategic conversations, and support the development of goals for this initiative.

Ms. Newport attended AMWA BOD meetings in April, July, September, and October 2023 and guided the BOD through several activities that resulted in thought-provoking and critical conversations about DEI. In addition, Ms. Newport led a training at the 2023 AMWA Conference for invited AMWA leaders to provide further instruction and information about DEI and the effort underway at AMWA.

After in-depth facilitation and training by Sharon Newport, the AMWA Board of Directors (BOD) and other key stakeholders crafted the following definitions designed to answer the question “What does DEI mean to AMWA?” As medical communicators, we know how important it is to choose the right words and to have a clear understanding of the words chosen. With this goal in mind, the AMWA BOD has developed definitions for the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion so that everyone at AMWA – from leadership to members; from staff to vendors – all understand the purpose and goals of this effort.

AMWA's Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) believes in an inclusive approach in which we encourage the interest, participation, and leadership of members from all groups, including those who are underrepresented in the medical communication field. Diversity, equity, and inclusion support the AMWA mission, and we define these terms as follows: 

Diversity: The field of medical communication comprises professionals with a wide range of backgrounds, specialties, experiences, and expertise, working in different environments. AMWA members include people of variable ages, genders, races and ethnicities, religions, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities, and viewpoints. 

Equity: AMWA seeks to identify and remove barriers that can create disparities in access to AMWA programs and resources, as well as leadership opportunities. In doing so, more members benefit from the association’s resources and are empowered to contribute to the association’s mission. 

Inclusion: AMWA creates an environment where the dignity of medical communication professionals is respected. All members are welcomed, heard, and supported, fostering a deep sense of belonging.

DEI in AMWA Education

Another recommendation from the D&I Assessment Task Force was to include DEI content in AMWA online learning and conference offerings. For example, the 2023 annual conference included education sessions such as Hidden Inclusion: Basics of Web Accessibility and How Do Medical Writers Impact the Recruitment and Participation of Underrepresented Populations in Clinical Trials, a poster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – How Can Medical Writers Make a Difference?, and a roundtable Inclusive Language for Scientific Writers and Editors. In addition, AMWA's Health Communication Curriculum Development Task Force is currently developing a curriculum and educational offerings that will include diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.

DEI Strategic Plan

In April 2024, the BOD finalized a strategic DEI plan that is fully aligned with AMWA’s mission, vision, values, and programs. Recognizing that the organization has finite resources, the BOD worked diligently to prioritize initiatives and projects to meet goals while using  resources responsibly. 

AMWA DEI Strategic Plan

As the strategic plan is put into action, additional information on DEI efforts and related program activities will be announced.

We are excited to continue this critical work to make AMWA a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive professional society to meet the needs of our members and the medical writing community.