Dear friends of ACN,

ACN Board members, like many of you, are struggling with recent events. Protests demanding our society address systemic racism have taken place in all 50 states, and books covering these issues top the New York Times bestsellers list as more people try to learn how to be part of the solution. 

As nonprofit professionals, the Board and ACN members take pride in contributing to the betterment of our communities. As individuals, we are continuing to support the undoing of inequitable practices in our own ways. But we also have to begin taking stock of what we can do as an organization to live up to ACN’s Values during this critical time in our nation’s history. 

In reviewing the commitments our organization made to its members and the public, five in particular stand out as areas we need to focus on over the next several months and coming years as part of ACN’s commitment to becoming part of the solution. They include these items each member has committed to do:

• Act with integrity in all matters, being honest with their clients and true to themselves.
• Strive for increased self-knowledge and personal growth on a continual basis.
• Perform duties with sensitivity to the fact that their recommendations and actions may alter the lives and well-being of staff, volunteers and the population served by their clients and the larger systems within which they operate.
• Be aware, at all times, of the cultural filters that may affect their view of the world, respect cultures different from their own and be sensitive to cross-cultural and multi-cultural differences and their implications.
• Advocate for ethical practices by individuals and organizations engaged in consultation to nonprofit organizations.

Like the rest of the country, ACN’s journey will be an ongoing process. The board has committed to taking the first steps to ensure that the organization lives up to these statements. These steps include:

• Planning a conversation circle for our members on this issue
• Reviewing the results of our recent member survey to identify members’ priorities for learning about and strengthening racially equitable practices
• Engaging a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training partner, and 
• Scheduling a marketing review to ensure our messaging and visuals are inclusive

These are initial actions the board has identified but we want to hear from you. Feel free to contact us at ExecDirector@ACNConsult.org with suggestions on what else our association can do. 

We understand these first steps are only the beginning of what will be a long, worthwhile, and long-overdue journey for our organization, our community, and our nation. Thank you for being our partner in this important effort.

ACN Board of Directors