MNA Diversity Day Marks Historic Step

In August, more than 100 MNA members and staff gathered for “On Being Different:  A Day of Diversity Discovery,” an historic day-long event marking the first step in an organization-wide effort to define and implement a vision for a more diverse future, not only for the MNA, but for the nursing profession and the community’s served by nurses in Massachusetts. 

According to one member attending the event, “I have never been prouder to be an MNA member.”  Another commented, “It is so wonderful to see so many different faces and to hear so many different voices sharing such personal and honest feelings.”  When asked to give one word descriptions of their experience of the day, audience members characterized the day as, “hopeful…exciting…a new beginning…a bright future…a good first step…”

The event was carefully planned over a series of months by the recently formed Task Force on Diversity Change, in conjunction with the MNA’s Affirmative Action Committee. 

“We are looking at diversity very broadly, but have decided to begin our work by focusing on the elements of difference represented by race, ethnicity/national origin, sexual orientation and physical ability,” said MNA President Karen Daley.  “Our desired goal of this process is to understand the effect these differences have on the MNA, on our members and the programs, policies and procedures we develop and promote.”

Facilitated by esteemed diversity consultant Rosa Hunter, the day brought together members from diverse backgrounds to explore the myriad ways race, ethnicity/national origin, sexual orientation, and physical ability impact participation in the MNA; the way these same issues effect nurses in their professional lives; and the way these issues impact a nurses’ ability to care for patients. 

Hunter told the attendees that the day was one of “inquiry, not a seminar.  We are here to listen to each other, to share with each other and to learn from each other so that we may take actions that will realize a vision for diversity within this organization.” 

Prior to the event, a survey of members self-identified as members of minority groups, or those with disabilities, was conducted to solicit opinions of members on these issues.  Some of the results of the survey were shared with the participants as a framework for discussion during the day. 

The audience included representatives from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, gay and lesbian nurses as well as nurses with physical disabilities.   In the morning, Hunter began the day by reviewing the work of the Task Force and laying the groundwork for the day’s activities.  Later, the audience was divided into small working groups, that spent time discussing how nurses and MNA members were impacted by physical disability, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation.  The groups were asked to discuss ways in which these issues impacted them now, as well as what they though the MNA could do address some of the barriers that were identified. 

At the end of the morning session, the groups came together, and each member of the audience was asked to write out their own vision statement for the diversity initiative at MNA based on what they had learned from the earlier dialogues and interactions. 

In the afternoon, the groups went back to work to focus on developing strategies and action steps the MNA may consider for incorporating into a formalized plan for diversity change within the organization. 

The group came up with a host of ideas, strategies and actions steps.  Ms. Hunter and the Diversity Task Force are currently working on a report, based on this data and information, which will be presented to the MNA board of directors at their meeting this month. 

The report to the Board will lay out recommended actions steps to be approved for implementation over the coming months.  In addition, the Task Force is continuing with its outreach efforts by planning focus group meetings out in the MNA Districts.  A broader survey of members is also being planned.  For more information about Diversity Change activities, call staff coordinator for the Task Force, Shirley Duggan, at 781.821.4625 x763.